Learn how to turn on and use autopilot in Microsoft Flight Simulator, set HDG, NAV, ALT, VS and FLC modes, and fix common engagement problems.
To turn on autopilot in Microsoft Flight Simulator, stabilise the aircraft, set the desired heading or route and target altitude, select lateral and vertical modes such as HDG/NAV and VS/FLC, then press the cockpit AP button or the default Z key. Confirm the active modes on the flight display or annunciator and keep monitoring.
This basic sequence applies to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, although each aircraft models its autopilot differently. General-aviation panels commonly use AP, HDG, NAV, ALT, VS and FLC buttons; airliners use an MCP or FCU with aircraft-specific managed and selected modes.
How do I turn on autopilot step by step?
The safest method is to configure the intended flight path before engaging the autopilot, then verify what it actually captures.
- Check that the aircraft has an autopilot. Look for an
APbutton or an autopilot control panel. Battery, alternator or generator and avionics power must be on. - Hand-fly into stable flight. Establish a safe altitude, sensible airspeed and roughly level attitude after take-off. Autopilots may refuse to engage on the ground, outside their operating limits or when the aircraft is badly out of trim.
- Set the lateral target. Move the heading bug and select
HDGto follow it. For a flight plan, confirm that the correct GPS/FMS or navigation source is selected, activate the intended route leg and armNAV. - Set altitude and vertical guidance. Enter the target altitude, then select
VSfor a chosen climb or descent rate orFLCfor a chosen airspeed. Selecting an altitude alone usually does not make the aircraft climb. - Engage the autopilot master. Press the cockpit
APbutton or use the default keyboardZcommand. The Flight Director may be switched on first to display the commanded pitch and roll without moving the controls. - Read the mode annunciations. Confirm that the expected lateral and vertical modes are active or armed. An illuminated AP button only confirms servo engagement; it does not prove that NAV, altitude capture or approach guidance is working.
- Manage power and supervise. Most light-aircraft autopilots do not control the throttle. Add power for a climb, reduce it for a descent and keep checking airspeed, trim, route tracking and altitude.
The default keyboard assignment can be changed or removed by a control preset. Our explanation of finding and changing MSFS 2024 keyboard controls shows where to locate the Autopilot Master command.
On Xbox, or on PlayStation 5 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, use the cockpit AP button with cursor interaction or bind Autopilot Master to a convenient controller combination. Controller presets differ, so Xbox users may also want our step-by-step Xbox autopilot procedure.
What do the autopilot modes mean?
Each autopilot mode controls a specific part of the aircraft, and several modes normally work together.
| Mode | What it does | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| AP | Connects the autopilot servos | Does not choose a route or altitude by itself |
| FD | Displays pitch and roll guidance | Does not move the controls unless AP is engaged |
| HDG | Follows the selected heading bug | Ignores the flight-plan route |
| NAV | Tracks the selected GPS, FMS, VOR or localiser source | May remain armed until the course is intercepted |
| ALT | Usually holds the altitude at which it is engaged | Pressing ALT does not normally initiate a climb to the selected altitude |
| VS | Commands a selected vertical speed | Can drive airspeed dangerously low if the climb rate is excessive |
| FLC | Pitches to maintain a selected airspeed while changing altitude | Power must still be managed unless autothrottle is fitted and active |
| APR | Arms approach guidance such as a localiser and glideslope | Approach capture does not automatically mean the aircraft can autoland |
The mistake we see most often is treating the altitude selector as a climb command. In a typical light aircraft, set the higher altitude and engage VS or FLC; the autopilot climbs and then captures ALT. To descend, select a lower altitude, reduce power as required and command VS or FLC.
Why is autopilot not following the route or altitude?
When autopilot is engaged but the aircraft goes the wrong way, the usual cause is an incorrect mode, navigation source or target rather than a failed autopilot.
- NAV is armed but not active: intercept the route at a reasonable angle using HDG mode, then let NAV capture it.
- The wrong navigation source is selected: change the CDI or source between GPS/FMS and VLOC as required. NAV follows the selected source, not necessarily the route shown on another display.
- The aircraft will not climb: select a higher altitude and engage VS or FLC. Check that sufficient power and airspeed are available.
- ALT holds the wrong altitude: pressing ALT commonly captures the aircraft's present altitude. Reset the target and start the climb or descent again.
- The route contains a discontinuity: activate the correct flight-plan leg before expecting NAV to follow it.
- Autopilot disconnects immediately: check electrical and avionics power, trim, conflicting control inputs and whether the aircraft is within its engagement limits.
- The aircraft oscillates or diverges: disconnect, hand-fly and stabilise it. Excessive speed, poor trim, turbulence, icing or a noisy controller axis can overwhelm the system.
AI piloting assistance and the aircraft's cockpit autopilot are separate systems; using both can produce conflicting commands. For persistent failures, work through our autopilot engagement troubleshooting checks.
Can autopilot land the aircraft, and how do I disconnect it?
Most Microsoft Flight Simulator autopilots can assist with an approach, but only aircraft explicitly equipped and modelled for autoland should be expected to land automatically.
An ILS-coupled autopilot may capture the localiser and glideslope, yet the pilot still has to configure the approach, manage speed, extend flaps and landing gear and monitor minimums. APR mode by itself is not autoland, and autothrottle is a separate system.
To return to manual flight, stabilise the aircraft, take the controls and press the yoke or stick disconnect switch, cockpit AP button or assigned Autopilot Master command. Expect an audible disconnect warning. Retrim promptly, because the autopilot may have applied considerable trim while it was controlling the aircraft.