Plain English Meaning

A system that flies the airplane for you while you watch over it. You tell it what heading or altitude to hold, and it moves the controls to make that happen.

Full Definition

An aircraft system that automatically controls the airplane's flight path by manipulating the flight controls to maintain a selected attitude, heading, altitude, vertical speed, or navigation track without continuous physical input from the pilot. The pilot remains in command and monitors the system, engaging or disengaging modes as needed.

Context Anchor

Seen in cockpit resource management, especially when using automation to reduce workload while still staying and in .