Plain English Meaning

How and when a pilot uses the autopilot during a flight, and the rules of thumb for staying in charge of the aircraft while the autopilot is doing the flying.

Full Definition

The practical operation of an aircraft autopilot system, including when to engage it, how to monitor it, what modes to select for a given phase of flight, and when to disengage it. In FAA instrument flying material, autopilot usage refers to the pilot's responsibilities and techniques for using the autopilot as a workload-management tool while remaining the pilot in command at all times.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying when pilots use the autopilot to reduce workload during climbs, descents, course tracking, , or busy periods.