Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
Letting the aircraft's machines and computers handle some of the flying work while the pilot monitors and manages what they are doing.
Full 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.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter automation when using autopilots, , engine , displays, and other systems that can carry out selected tasks after the pilot sets them up.