Ten Reasons Experienced Pilots Use An Autopilot

The following are the top ten reasons why experienced pilots use autopilots for fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft:

1. Future-Proofing: Installing an autopilot system in your aircraft can help future-proof it by ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies and regulatory requirements. As aviation technology continues to evolve, autopilot systems are likely to become more advanced and integrated with other systems, such as collision avoidance and traffic management.
2. Enhanced Navigation Capabilities: Autopilot systems interface with advanced navigation systems, such as GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS), which enable precise and accurate navigation. This can be particularly beneficial during flights in challenging weather conditions or unfamiliar airspace.
3. Improved Passenger Comfort: Autopilot systems can contribute to a smoother and more comfortable flight experience for passengers. By maintaining a steady flight profile, autopilot systems can minimize turbulence and other factors that can cause discomfort during the flight.
4. Increased Flight Range: Autopilot systems can help extend the flight range of an aircraft by optimizing fuel consumption. By maintaining an efficient flight profile, autopilot systems can help aircraft travel longer distances without the need for additional refueling stops.
5. Reduced Pilot Fatigue: Long flights can be physically and mentally demanding for pilots. Autopilot systems can help alleviate pilot fatigue by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing pilots to rest and recharge during the flight. This can improve overall pilot performance and decision-making abilities.
6. Fuel Efficiency: Autopilot systems are programmed to optimize flight parameters, such as airspeed and altitude, to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. By maintaining a consistent and efficient flight profile, autopilot systems can help reduce fuel consumption and lower operating costs.
7. Enhanced Situational Awareness: Autopilot systems interface with advanced EFIS systems, which provide pilots with real-time information about the aircraft’s position, speed, and orientation. This enhanced situational awareness allows pilots to make more informed decisions and respond effectively to changing flight conditions.
8. Improved Precision: Autopilot systems are highly accurate and can maintain precise flight parameters, such as altitude and heading, with minimal deviation. This level of precision can result in smoother flights, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on the aircraft.
9. Reduced Workload: Autopilot systems can significantly reduce the workload on pilots by taking over routine tasks such as maintaining altitude, heading, and airspeed. This allows pilots to focus on other critical aspects of the flight, such as monitoring weather conditions and communicating with air traffic control.
10. Increased Safety: One of the primary benefits of installing an autopilot in your aircraft is the increased safety it provides. Autopilot systems are designed to assist pilots in maintaining control of the aircraft, reducing the risk of pilot error and improving overall flight safety.

Genesys Aerosystems hopes these top reasons are helpful in planning for your next avionics upgrade.

About Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company

Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil customers. Genesys Aerosystems’ avionics systems can be offered individually or integrated to provide an entire cockpit solution. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized safety in low-level flight operations and is now approved on more than 700 aircraft and helicopter models. Genesys Aerosystems’ VFR and IFR approved autopilot solutions are available for both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. With more than 1000 flying globally today, Genesys autopilots are certified and available on many aircraft makes and models. For more information, visit www.genesys-aerosystems.com.

About Moog Inc.

Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, and marine and medical equipment. Additional information about the company can be found at www.moog.com.