Definition 1 of 2
Definition
The use of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or computer-based systems to perform tasks that would otherwise require direct human action. In aviation, automation refers to systems such as autopilots, flight management systems, autothrottles, and automatic flight control computers that carry out flight tasks under the supervision of the pilot.
Plain English
Letting the aircraft's machines and computers handle some of the flying work while the pilot monitors and manages what they are doing.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter automation when using autopilots, navigation equipment, engine controls, displays, and other systems that can carry out selected tasks after the pilot sets them up.
Derivation
From the Greek 'automatos,' meaning 'self-acting' or 'acting of one's own will.' The aviation use keeps that core idea: a system that acts on its own once the pilot tells it what to do.
Why Pilots Care
Effective use reduces pilot workload but demands continuous monitoring to maintain awareness and avoid over-reliance.
Grounding Statement
If a pilot selects an altitude and the aircraft system keeps the airplane there, that task is being handled by automation.
Intuition Check
Automation does not mean the airplane is fully in charge. It means equipment is doing selected tasks under the pilot’s control and supervision.
Example Sentence 1
The crew used the aircraft's automation to manage the climb while they handled the radio calls.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach the crew verified the automation was in the correct mode before descending.