Autopilot: overview and basics

Introduction

Welcome to the overview of the autopilot features in FlightAssistant!

The three main components are:

• Flight directors (FD, FLT DIR) - on-screen guidance bars that assist with manual flight and help verify the autopilot’s actions.
• Autothrust (A/THR) - controls thrust settings to manage speed and climb/descent rates.
• Autopilot (AP) - controls the camera and flight path for navigation.

These components can be used independently or in combination. To enable or disable them, open the FlightAssistant Setup Screen (default: Numpad Enter), click Select autoflight modes, then click on the desired component.

Since the automation systems can’t read your mind, you must select the correct modes and input the proper data to achieve the desired result.

All modes can be set to F/PLAN, in which case the mode and target will automatically be acquired from your flight plan. For more information on how to create a flight plan, see Autopilot: flight planning

Thrust modes

SPEED

• The autothrust will attempt to maintain the target speed. If the thrust source cannot provide controlled or continuous thrust (e.g., fireworks), the target speed will act as the minimum speed.

V.PROF (Vertical profile)

• The autothrust will choose either the climb/cruise thrust or descend thrust when the Vertical mode is set to ALT (altitude)

Vertical modes

PITCH

• The autopilot will hold the target pitch angle. This is useful for precise control, such as setting the optimum glide pitch for maximum distance.

ALT (Altitude)

• The autopilot will climb or descend to hold the target altitude.

Lateral modes

HDG (Heading)

• The autopilot will hold the target heading. For example, if you set the target heading to 90 degrees, you will go straight East.

COORDS (Coordinates)

• The autopilot will navigate towards the selected coordinates. Note that the Autopilot will not land at the coordinates; instead, it will circle around them.