Autopilot on takeoff and landing

[anonymous-user]

Why can't autopilot be used for takeoff and landing? Documentary about the Air France crash in 2009 said that in a typical flight you would get 2 minutes of actual piloting at either end of the flight (Airbus iirc), the rest would be handled by computer. What are the complications of takeoff and landing that mean it can't be/isn't automated yet?

[CAPP0]

I thought it could, at least for commercial/passenger aircraft? I guess pilots want to keep their eye in.

A friend of a friend flies for one of the big logistics firms and one of the big draws for him was that they are allowed to hand-fly the planes - not common he said?

[anonymous-user]

Could well be - this was the quote, from 2009 though, Airbus A330: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJzg6W2f7Ng#t=2m03...

[surveyor]

Autopilot is not used for takeoff. ever...

Autoland can be used for landing, subject to the airplane being properly equipped, the airfield being properly equipped, the pilot being suitably qualified, the weather (wind mainly) being in limits, and airfield in the right Low Visibility Procedure mode (ensures that aircraft on the ground stay away from antenna etc).

Also pilots can become too reliant on automation to the detriment of their flying skill set. Great when the automation works - st when it does not as per Air France 447.

[twister]

surveyor said:

Autopilot is not used for takeoff. ever...

In the context of the civil aviation-oriented direction this thread has taken, you're right. In the wider context of aviation in general, how would the hands-free carrier takeoff procedure used with the F/A-18 fit into the discussion?

[MB140]

Another reason I was told autoland to the ground isn’t often used is because it’s so accurate it damages the runway having plane after plane after plane landing at the exact same piece of runway. By disabling it a short time before landing then there is a variation to each touchdown.

[uncinqsix]

MB140 said:

Another reason I was told autoland to the ground isn’t often used is because it’s so accurate it damages the runway having plane after plane after plane landing at the exact same piece of runway. By disabling it a short time before landing then there is a variation to each touchdown.

The satellite based landing/approach system at Sydney airport is apparently able to put an aircraft on the ground to within 1 metre. They're not using for full auto landings yet, but it's quite incredible what corrected GPS is capable of.

[Chuck328]

MB140 said:

Another reason I was told autoland to the ground isn’t often used is because it’s so accurate it damages the runway having plane after plane after plane landing at the exact same piece of runway. By disabling it a short time before landing then there is a variation to each touchdown.

I think who ever told you that is talking bks. I've done many autolands over the years and whilst it is accurate, it's never in the same spot. I've been a few meters left or right of the centre line plenty times. Distance into the touchdown zone varies to.

Autolands are generally only conducted when its foggy/low cloud base. The rest of the time it's manual landings as with autoland the airport has to put some more restrictive measures in place.

Never done an auto takeoff as the aircraft can't do it and never ( and highly unlikely) been lucky enough to fly an F18

Edited by Chuck328 on Monday 2nd July 00:28

Edited by Chuck328 on Monday 2nd July 00:28

Edited by Chuck328 on Monday 2nd July 00:29