Definition
The pilot interface, typically mounted on the glareshield directly in front of the pilot, used to select and engage autopilot and flight director modes such as heading, altitude, vertical speed, and airspeed, and to set the target values for those modes.
Plain English
The panel of switches and knobs the pilot uses to tell the autopilot and flight director what to do — for example, what altitude to climb to, what heading to fly, or what speed to hold.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying and autopilot use, usually on or near the top of the instrument panel where the pilot can reach it easily.
Derivation
Mode' refers to the different operating behaviors the autopilot can perform (heading mode, altitude mode, etc.). 'Control panel' is the physical interface used to select and adjust them. Together: the panel where you control which mode the autopilot is in.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces pilot workload by allowing automated control of the aircraft's heading, altitude, and speed, which is essential for managing complex instrument approaches and enroute navigation.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just any panel with buttons. In this context, the mode control panel is the specific place where the pilot selects and verifies what the automatic flight system will do.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off, the pilot reached up to the mode control panel and dialed in the next assigned altitude.
Example Sentence 2
After takeoff, the crew used the mode control panel to engage heading select and climb in vertical speed mode.