---
title: "How an aircraft autopilot works — OnlyPlanes"
description: "The autopilot can withstand a given course, altitude and other parameters, but the crew chooses modes and controls the flight. How this work is done."
canonical_url: "https://onlyplanes.ru/en/guides/autopilot"
locale: en
meta:
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  "og:description": "What the system automates and why pilots continue to manage the flight."
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  "og:title": "How an aircraft autopilot works"
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Flight explained

# How an aircraft autopilot worksHow an aircraft autopilot works

What the system automates and why pilots continue to manage the flight.

The short answer

Autopilot receives data from navigation systems and sensors, compares them with specified parameters and controls steering surfaces through actuators. It can withstand the course, altitude, speed of descent or follow the route.

## What does the autopilot do and what controls the crew

The system does not make all decisions on its own. Pilots set modes, monitor readings, communicate with dispatchers and are ready to turn off automation. Planning, weather assessment and emergency management remain the tasks of the crew.

On equipped aircraft and airfields, an automatic landing is possible, but it requires strict conditions, the serviceability of several independent channels and special crew admission.

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