Copyright D.P. Browne 2011

The Autopilot (A/P) controls the flight path of the aircraft by giving flight control commands for elevator, aileron and rudder directly to the flight control system.

Auto Pilot

The Autopilot may be engaged by pressing the A/P button on the FCU at any time after lift of plus 5 seconds. The A/P controls the aircraft flight path, to acquire the selected target values of speed, altitude, vertical speed and heading from the FCU, or the managed flight path from the MCDU, using the mode selected by the flight crew.

The Autopilot may be used to fly the aircraft from lift off + 5 seconds, to touch down rollout. There are two A/Ps, but only one is engaged at any one time, except for landing when both may be engaged.

There are two A/P engagement buttons on the FCU. AP1 and AP2.

Engagement

Disengagement

The A/P may be disengaged when :

Pressing the Take Over Button on the side stick

Pressing the illuminated A/P button on the FCU

Holding the side stick in a position above a threshold , also applies to rudder peddles

Moving pitch trim wheel beyond the A/P cut out threshold.

Both thrust levers set beyond MCT detent on the ground (takeoff)

Non ILS approach and MDA/MDH altitude is reached in the approach

Excessive pitch attitude

Alpha Floor conditions exist

High speed protection becomes active

Upon disengagement, there are several warnings

Fault condition detected