Friend – Hello Captain! How was your flight?

Pilot – Hey! My flight went well. I had a long day in the air. 

Friend – I always have heard that pilots actually don’t fly the airplane, it’s the auto pilot flying us. Can you make me understand how true it is and how is this possible?

Pilot – We pilots do fly the airplane and use autopilot for most of our flight. Let me explain to you how this happens?

Autopilot uses sensors to “see” and “feel” what’s happening around the plane. These sensors are like the eyes and ears of the autopilot:

• GPS: This is like a super-accurate map that tells the plane exactly where it is.
• Altimeter: This measures how high the plane is flying.
• Pitot tube: This measures how fast the plane is moving.
• Gyroscope: This keeps the plane balanced, like a spinning top.
• Accelerometer: This measures how quickly the plane is speeding up or slowing down.

All this information is sent to a powerful computer, which uses it to control the plane’s flight controls. These flight controls are like the plane’s muscles:

• Ailerons: These control how the plane rolls (tilts) from side to side.
• Elevator: This controls how the plane goes up or down.
• Rudder: This controls how the plane turns left or right.
• Throttle: This controls how much power the engines give to the plane.

The computer uses clever algorithms to make sure the plane stays on course, at the right altitude, and at the right speed. It’s like a video game character that can react faster and more accurately than any human pilot.
Friend – That sounds interesting but how accurate is it. Can we use it all the time?

Captain – Autopilot is not only accurate but it has some serious benefits:

• Increased safety: Autopilot can help prevent accidents by keeping the plane on a steady course and avoiding obstacles.
• Increased efficiency: Autopilot can help the plane fly more efficiently by choosing the best speed and altitude for the conditions.
• Reduced pilot workload: Autopilot can give pilots a break, so they can focus on other important tasks, like communicating with air traffic control.

Friend – It’s so exciting to know about this. So do you use autopilot throughout the flight?

Captain – We use it after takeoff and we can even use it for landing!
Friend – Auto pilot can even help land the plane! Really!

Captain – Absolutely Yes! This is called autoland. It’s a really complex process that requires a lot of sensors and computers.

The autoland process typically involves the following steps:

1. The pilot engages the autoland system.
2. The autoland system takes control of the plane.
3. The autoland system guides the plane to the runway.
4. The autoland system slows the plane down and brings it to a stop.

Autoland is a very safe and reliable way to land a plane, especially in bad weather.

Conclusion

Autopilot is a really cool technology that makes flying safer and more efficient. So next time you’re on a plane, remember the amazing technology that’s helping you get to your destination safely.