Definition
The cockpit panel unit that allows the pilot to engage, disengage, and adjust the autopilot system. It contains the switches, knobs, and selectors used to set modes such as heading hold, altitude hold, and navigation tracking, and to send commands to the autopilot's servos that move the flight controls.
Plain English
The control panel the pilot uses to turn the autopilot on and off and to tell it what to do — such as holding a heading or altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen on the instrument panel or avionics panel when checking, setting, or using the autopilot.
Derivation
Automatic comes from roots meaning self-acting, and pilot means one who guides an aircraft or ship. In older aviation wording, automatic pilot means autopilot: equipment that helps guide the airplane after the pilot gives it instructions.
Why Pilots Care
Enables hands-off flying for extended periods, improving safety and reducing pilot workload during cruise.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse this with an air traffic controller. It is not a person and it does not decide where to fly; it is the cockpit control unit the pilot uses to give commands to the autopilot.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off at cruise altitude, the pilot used the automatic pilot controller to engage altitude hold.
Example Sentence 2
By adjusting the heading bug on the automatic pilot controller, the pilot could command a turn without touching the yoke.