How does an autopilot interact with attitude and navigation sensors to maintain flight path?

How does an autopilot interact with attitude and navigation sensors to maintain flight path?

• A. It compares desired vs actual attitude/track from sensors and commands actuators to correct deviations.
• B. It relies on pilot input only, ignoring sensors.
• C. It uses barometric pressure to steer.
• D. It only adjusts autopilot output during takeoff.

Answer: (A)

Autopilot maintains a flight path by using a closed feedback loop with attitude and navigation sensors. It receives a commanded attitude, heading, or course from the flight guidance logic, then uses attitude sensors (gyros, IMUs, and related indicators) to determine the aircraft’s actual orientation and flight state, and navigation sensors (GPS, VOR/DME, INS, etc.) to know the current path. By comparing what’s commanded with what’s actually measured, it generates an error signal and applies control laws to produce actuator commands for the flight surfaces and engines (ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle). This corrective action reduces the deviation and keeps the aircraft on the desired path. Modes may emphasize heading, course, altitude, or vertical speed, but the core idea is always sensing, comparing, and steering to minimize the difference.

Autopilot maintains a flight path by using a closed feedback loop with attitude and navigation sensors. It receives a commanded attitude, heading, or course from the flight guidance logic, then uses attitude sensors (gyros, IMUs, and related indicators) to determine the aircraft’s actual orientation and flight state, and navigation sensors (GPS, VOR/DME, INS, etc.) to know the current path. By comparing what’s commanded with what’s actually measured, it generates an error signal and applies control laws to produce actuator commands for the flight surfaces and engines (ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle). This corrective action reduces the deviation and keeps the aircraft on the desired path. Modes may emphasize heading, course, altitude, or vertical speed, but the core idea is always sensing, comparing, and steering to minimize the difference.