Learn how to use autopilot in FSX and Steam Edition: set HDG, NAV, ALT and VS modes, manage speed, and fix common tracking problems.
To use autopilot in FSX or FSX: Steam Edition, stabilise and trim the aircraft, set the heading bug and target altitude, engage the autopilot master, then select one lateral mode such as HDG or NAV and one vertical mode such as ALT or VS. Manage power yourself unless autothrottle is fitted.
Autopilot panels vary considerably between the stock Cessna, turboprops, airliners and third-party aircraft. The labels may differ, but the basic rule remains the same: tell the system where to steer, how to control pitch, and what speed or power you will maintain.
How do I engage the FSX autopilot?
The simplest first test is to engage heading and altitude hold during stable, level flight.
- Take off manually. Climb to a safe height, settle at a sensible airspeed and trim the aircraft so it is not demanding heavy control pressure.
- Set the heading bug. Turn the heading selector to your desired magnetic heading. HDG mode follows this bug, not the direction in which the nose happened to be pointing when autopilot was engaged.
- Set the altitude. Enter the desired altitude if the panel provides an altitude selector. Be aware that selecting a number does not always command an immediate climb or descent.
- Engage the autopilot master. Press the panel's AP, CMD or autopilot master control. The default
Zassignment toggles the master in standard installations, although assignments and add-on behaviour can differ. Our reference for FSX autopilot keyboard commands lists the other standard shortcuts. - Select HDG and ALT. HDG should steer towards the heading bug, while ALT holds or captures altitude according to the fitted system. Do not assume that illuminating the master switch has selected both modes.
- Check the mode indications. Confirm that the expected lateral and vertical modes are active, then watch the aircraft for the first few seconds. A lit button can represent an armed rather than active mode on more detailed aircraft.
- Control the power. Adjust throttle to maintain a safe airspeed. Autopilot can pitch the aircraft into a stall if you demand an excessive climb without adding enough power.
If the cockpit contains a Bendix/King unit rather than a jet-style mode panel, follow our practical KAP 140 operating sequence; its altitude arming and capture logic deserves separate treatment.
Which autopilot mode should I use in FSX?
Use HDG for direct steering, NAV for an intercepted radio or GPS course, APR for an approach, and ALT or VS for vertical control.
| Mode | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| AP or CMD | Engages the autopilot servos | After the aircraft is stable and the required modes are prepared |
| HDG | Turns towards and follows the heading bug | Departures, vectors and simple course changes |
| NAV | Tracks the selected VOR, localiser or GPS navigation source | Following a radio course or active flight-plan leg |
| APR | Provides approach tracking and, where supported, glideslope capture | After setting up and intercepting a suitable approach |
| ALT | Holds or captures altitude, depending on the panel | Level flight or altitude capture |
| VS | Commands a selected vertical speed | Controlled climbs and descents while you monitor airspeed |
| IAS or pitch | Uses pitch to maintain a target or attitude | Only on aircraft fitted with that mode |
| A/T | Controls thrust separately from the autopilot | Only on aircraft equipped with functional autothrottle |
How do I make autopilot climb or descend?
Set the new altitude, select a suitable vertical mode and confirm that the aircraft is moving in the correct direction without losing or gaining excessive speed.
With VS mode, choose a positive rate for a climb or a negative rate for a descent. Add power during the climb and reduce it as required during descent. Do not dial in an aggressive rate and leave the aircraft unattended; the autopilot will often sacrifice airspeed to maintain that vertical speed.
Altitude capture varies between panels. Some systems arm the selected altitude and level automatically, while simpler ones require you to select ALT near the target. Watch the mode annunciation rather than relying only on the altitude shown in the selector window.
How do I make FSX autopilot follow a GPS flight plan?
Activate a flight plan, select GPS as the navigation source where the panel provides a NAV/GPS switch, intercept the active route leg, and then engage NAV mode.
For VOR or ILS tracking, use the radio navigation source instead, tune the correct frequency and set the course as required. If the aircraft remains in HDG, turns towards the wrong leg or ignores the magenta route, use our GPS and NAV tracking fault checklist.
Why does the FSX autopilot not do what I selected?
Most FSX autopilot problems come from the wrong navigation source, an unselected mode, poor interception geometry or an aircraft that was unstable before engagement.
- It will not engage: check aircraft electrical and avionics power, the autopilot's own controls and any restrictions imposed by the add-on. Some detailed aircraft do not respond correctly to generic FSX keyboard events.
- It turns the wrong way: check the heading bug, active GPS leg, tuned radio and course selector. NAV mode needs a valid signal or active route to track.
- NAV does not capture: approach the desired course at a reasonable intercept angle. Flying parallel to it or starting well beyond the active waypoint can prevent sensible capture.
- Altitude drifts or airspeed collapses: reduce the requested vertical speed, correct the power setting and check for a stall or overspeed. ALT and VS modes control pitch, not engine power.
- The aircraft oscillates: return to normal simulation rate, stabilise the speed and trim, then re-engage. Turbulence, extreme loading and excessive time acceleration can expose limitations in FSX's autopilot behaviour.
- It disconnects unexpectedly: avoid holding control pressure against it and check for noisy joystick axes or mapped disconnect controls. Some aircraft deliberately disengage when control input exceeds a threshold.
A mistake we see constantly is treating autopilot as a rescue system. If the aircraft is badly out of trim, close to a stall or descending rapidly, recover manually first; only engage once the flight path is under control.
Does FSX autopilot control the throttle and landing?
Autopilot does not control throttle or complete a landing unless the particular aircraft has separate, functional autothrottle and autoland systems.
Most general-aviation aircraft require manual power throughout. Airliners may offer autothrottle, but it must be armed and placed in an appropriate mode; switching on AP alone does not activate it.
APR mode can track an ILS localiser and glideslope when the radios, course, source and intercept are correct. It does not guarantee a flare, touchdown, braking or runway tracking. Unless the aircraft documentation explicitly supports autoland, disconnect once established and land manually; our final-approach and autoland procedure explains the distinction.
When disconnecting, take control smoothly and be ready for the existing pitch trim. The autopilot may have applied substantial trim during a climb or descent, so an abrupt control movement can produce a sharp pitch change. There is no universal disconnect height in FSX; use the procedure appropriate to the aircraft and approach being flown.