Learn how to use the autopilot in X-Plane Mobile, select HDG, NAV, ALT and approach modes, follow a route and fix capture problems.
To use the autopilot in X-Plane Mobile, stabilise and trim the aircraft, set a heading, altitude and vertical target on its cockpit panel, select the required lateral and vertical modes, then press AP. Watch the mode annunciations: the autopilot follows only the modes shown as active, not every value you have dialled in.
X-Plane Mobile does not have one universal autopilot panel. Controls, available modes and displays depend on the aircraft and its avionics. If taps, tilt input or cockpit interaction are getting in the way, sort out the X-Plane Mobile control setup before diagnosing the autopilot.
A reliable X-Plane Mobile autopilot workflow
The safest method is to establish the aircraft manually, configure the targets, select one lateral and one vertical mode, engage the servos and verify what became active.
- Stabilise the aircraft. Establish a normal speed and power setting, level the wings and trim away heavy control pressure. Autopilot is not a reliable way to recover an extreme attitude or badly out-of-trim aircraft.
- Find the autopilot panel. Use the controls modelled in that aircraft's cockpit or instrument display. A basic aircraft may offer only heading and altitude hold, while a glass cockpit can add navigation, vertical-speed, flight-level-change and approach modes.
- Set the targets. Position the heading bug, dial the required selected altitude and set either a vertical speed or target airspeed if the panel supports it.
- Select a lateral mode. Use HDG to follow the heading bug. Use NAV only when a valid route or radio-navigation signal is selected and ready to capture.
- Select a vertical mode. Use ALT to remain at the present or captured altitude. To climb or descend, set the new altitude and select VS or FLC if available. Merely changing the altitude selector does not normally command a climb.
- Engage AP and verify it. Press the autopilot master control, then check the primary flight display or panel indicators. Some systems engage the flight director automatically; others provide a separate FD control.
- Manage power and monitor the aircraft. Most autopilots control pitch and roll, not throttle. Watch airspeed, trim, altitude and the active modes throughout the flight.
The same set-targets, select-mode and verify-active sequence appears in our practical KAP 140 autopilot workflow, although its button-specific instructions apply only when the aircraft actually models that unit.
Which autopilot mode should I use?
Use HDG for vectors and simple turns, NAV for an active route, ALT to maintain height, VS or FLC for climbs and descents, and APR only when intercepting a properly configured instrument approach.
| Mode | What it does | Main gotcha |
|---|---|---|
| AP | Engages the autopilot servos | It does not by itself guarantee that the intended guidance modes are active |
| FD | Displays flight-director steering commands | The flight director can be on while the aircraft remains under manual control |
| HDG | Turns towards and follows the heading bug | Moving the bug changes the commanded heading immediately |
| NAV | Captures and follows the selected GPS, FMS, VOR or localiser guidance | The navigation source and active route leg must be correct |
| ALT | Holds the present or captured altitude | Pressing ALT often holds the altitude at which it was pressed, rather than climbing to the selected value |
| VS | Commands a selected rate of climb or descent | An excessive climb rate can reduce airspeed dangerously |
| FLC | Uses pitch to maintain a selected airspeed while changing altitude | Power still needs to be managed unless the aircraft has separate automatic thrust |
| APR | Arms approach guidance such as an ILS, when supported | It will not capture an unsuitable signal, source or intercept geometry |
For a fuller explanation of how these modes interact, see our guide to heading, navigation, altitude and approach guidance.
How do I make the autopilot follow a flight plan?
NAV mode follows a flight plan only when the route has an active leg and the correct GPS or FMS navigation source is selected.
- Load or create the route and confirm that the intended leg is active.
- Select the correct source. Use GPS or FMS guidance for a route displayed by the aircraft's flight-management system; use the relevant radio source for VOR or ILS guidance.
- Intercept the route sensibly. Use HDG mode to approach the desired track at a shallow angle rather than trying to capture it from far away or while flying in the opposite direction.
- Arm NAV. Check that NAV changes from armed to active when the route is captured.
- Set vertical guidance separately. NAV usually controls lateral tracking only. Use ALT, VS, FLC or aircraft-specific vertical navigation for altitude changes.
Why isn't the X-Plane Mobile autopilot working?
Most apparent autopilot failures are caused by an armed mode that never captured, the wrong navigation source, altitude hold blocking a climb or insufficient power.
- The aircraft ignores the heading bug: NAV may still be active. Select HDG and confirm that it becomes the active lateral mode.
- NAV is armed but the aircraft flies straight: move closer to the route, use a shallower intercept and check that the desired leg and navigation source are active.
- The selected altitude changes but the aircraft stays level: ALT hold is doing its job. Select a climb or descent mode such as VS or FLC, then verify altitude capture later.
- The aircraft climbs and loses speed: reduce the vertical-speed demand or use FLC where available, then add suitable power. Autopilot cannot create performance the aircraft does not have.
- FD is visible but nothing moves: the flight director is displaying commands, but the AP servos have not been engaged.
- The autopilot disconnects or behaves abruptly: centre the manual controls, stabilise and trim the aircraft, then try again. Large control inputs, an extreme attitude or a serious trim mismatch can overwhelm or disconnect some systems.
- A mode or button is missing: that aircraft may not model it. X-Plane Mobile aircraft do not all have NAV, FLC, VNAV, approach capture or automatic thrust.
A mistake we see constantly is watching the selected numbers rather than the mode annunciations. A selected altitude, heading or course is only a target; an active mode is what tells the aircraft to pursue it.
Can the X-Plane Mobile autopilot land the aircraft?
APR mode can track an instrument approach in a suitably equipped aircraft, but it should not be assumed to provide automatic landing, flare, braking or throttle control.
Configure and activate the approach, select the proper navigation source, intercept the final course from a sensible angle and arm APR. For an ILS, approach the glideslope from below. Confirm that both lateral and vertical guidance capture rather than relying on the illuminated APR button alone.
Gear, flap and power changes normally remain the pilot's responsibility. Unless the aircraft explicitly models an autoland system, disconnect the autopilot with enough height to stabilise manually before touchdown.
Disconnecting the autopilot safely
Take manual control before pressing the AP or disconnect control, then confirm that the active autopilot annunciation has disappeared.
Match the aircraft's attitude and power setting before disengagement, expect a control-force change if it is poorly trimmed, and retrim after taking over. If the autopilot commands an unsafe turn, pitch or descent, disconnect it immediately, fly the aircraft manually and diagnose the selected modes only after the situation is stable.