How Often Do Pilots Use Autopilot?
Many passengers are perplexed by the function of autopilot. On a typical flight, a pilot must adhere to a long list of rules. “Just three minutes of the average flight will have the pilot flying the plane” is misinterpreted. The statement implies that pilots spend less time physically handling the aircraft now than they used to.
However, it does not imply that the plane is left to its own devices to fly. They must still adhere to certain procedures and rules, and they are obligated to monitor the instrument readings to ensure operational effectiveness.