Maintenance troubleshooting considers sensors, data buses, servos, flight-control computers, mode logic and cockpit controls.
← Aviation glossary
FLIGHT CONTROLS & AVIONICSBEGINNER
Autopilot
AP Abbreviation · automatic pilot Synonym
An automatic flight-control function that commands aircraft controls to follow selected guidance or stabilize flight.
Use this page toUnderstand the term in plain languageSee technical and maintenance contextContinue to related learning in one click
How the term is used
The autopilot uses flight-guidance commands, attitude and air-data inputs, control computers and actuators. Modes and engagement criteria vary by aircraft.
Where you may encounter it
Technicians perform approved operational tests and verify correct mode annunciation after relevant work.
An autopilot fault can be caused by another system input; replacing the obvious control unit may not address the root cause.
LEARN NEXT
Continue beyond the definition
RESOURCE · ARTICLEB737 MAX ATA 22 — Digital Flight Control System Architecture: FCC A/B, MCP and the Control Loop
Learn how pilot-selected modes, sensor data, flight-control computers and aircraft response fit together.
RESOURCE · DIAGRAMB737 MAX ATA 22 — Autoflight Control-Loop Visual MapAn original diagram showing MCP/FMC and sensor inputs feeding FCC A/B, then guidance/autopilot/autothrottle outputs and feedback/…
RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEB737 MAX ATA 22 — Autothrottle: FMC/CDU BITE, Servo Authority and Navigation DependenciesUnderstand the autothrottle as a controlled speed/thrust function with computation, actuator and sensor dependencies.
RESOURCE · ARTICLEB737 MAX ATA 22 — DFCS BITE and Fault Review: How to Use Maintenance Messages Without GuessingLearn what BITE can tell you—and what it cannot.
RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEB737 MAX ATA 22 — Autopilot, Flight Director, Trim and Mode AwarenessBuild a mode-oriented mental model that helps technicians separate engagement, guidance and control-authority problems.
VIDEO · Chatchai PrasertsukAirbus A350 CBT Auto FlightVIDEO · Michael WhittingtonSpeedtrimStab DFCS BITE test32 pass