Definition
An autopilot input mode in which the autopilot follows steering commands generated directly by a GPS navigator rather than tracking a course using the heading bug or a conventional VOR/Localizer signal. The GPS unit computes the required bank angle to fly the active flight plan, including curved leg transitions, and sends those commands to the autopilot through a converter or directly via a digital interface.
Plain English
A setting that lets the GPS fly the airplane through the autopilot. Instead of the pilot turning a heading knob to follow each leg, the GPS tells the autopilot exactly how much to bank and when, so the airplane flies the programmed route automatically, including turns between waypoints.
Context Anchor
Seen when using a panel GPS with an autopilot to follow a flight plan or GPS course.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload and improves track accuracy compared with heading or VOR-based guidance.
Intuition Check
Steering does not mean the GPS physically moves the controls by itself. Here it means the GPS provides direction commands that the autopilot can follow.
Example Sentence 1
After the GPS sequenced to the next waypoint, the pilot engaged GPSS and the autopilot began the turn before reaching the fix.
Example Sentence 2
With GPS steering active, the aircraft tracked the airway centerline more precisely than with heading mode.