How to Activate Autopilot in MSFS 2024 (Complete Guide)

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As a seasoned aviator with countless hours logged in the virtual skies of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, I must say that the autopilot feature has become my most trusted copilot on those long-haul journeys. While it may not be as easy as clicking a single button to hand over control, the intricate process of setting up the autopilot adds an extra layer of realism to the flight experience.

Using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, flights will follow real-world time, meaning some journeys may span several hours. In such cases, the autopilot feature can be a valuable aid. However, unlike other simulators, MSFS 2024 doesn’t provide an instant autopilot activation. Instead, it requires you to meticulously set up all essentials and fine-tune every detail, just as in a real-life flight, before the autopilot can be activated. If you’re finding this step challenging, here’s a guide to help streamline the basics and make your next long-haul or transcontinental flight more manageable and effortless.

How to Turn On Autopilot

  1. Take off.
  2. Stabilize your altitude and speed.
  3. Press the AP button (usually located on or near the primary flight display).
  4. Set the desired altitude using the ALT wheel.
  5. Choose your ascent mode: VS or FLC.
  6. Press the NAV button to have the aircraft follow the flight plan.
  7. Use the HDG button to manually adjust the flight direction.

In most planes of the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, you’ll find an Autopilot (AP) button conveniently located near the primary flight display. To activate autopilot, just press this button. After that, set your preferred altitude using the ALT knob or wheel, usually found in close proximity to the AP button. You can adjust the altitude either by selecting VS (Vertical Speed) or FLC (Flight Level Change). Once you’ve set the altitude, pick between NAV or HDG modes to finalize your autopilot setup. The NAV mode follows the flight plan using GPS, while the HDG mode, controlled by the HDG wheel, steers the plane according to your manual heading inputs in the chosen direction.

Autopilot Basics

Regardless of the specific autopilot controls found in different aircraft, the core principles for using autopilot remain consistent. Mastering these basics – steering the plane (heading), navigating a course, and controlling altitude – is crucial to piloting any aircraft on autopilot.

HDG Mode

The Heading (HDG) function serves as an automated steering system for an airplane, maintaining its course based on the direction you’ve selected. To change the heading, simply twist the HDG knob on your screen without disturbing the yoke. This feature is particularly handy when you don’t have a defined flight path or wish to keep control of the aircraft’s orientation while the autopilot manages other settings.

NAV Mode

Navigation (NAV) functions as an automatic pilot system that maintains the airplane on its previously set flight path. It adheres to the GPS route and continually readjusts the plane’s direction to ensure it stays on course. If you haven’t established a flight plan, simply press the “Nearest” button on the main display and pick one of the nearby airports. This will generate a fresh GPS route for you.

Altitude Management

As a gamer in control of my virtual flight simulator, I manipulate the Altitude (ALT) setting to determine the aircraft’s elevation. In autopilot, I adjust this altitude using the designated wheel. Yet, it’s important to note that the autopilot won’t alter the plane’s altitude unless I also set a speed, which can be done through either Vertical Speed (VS) or Flight Level Change (FLC) mode.

  • Vertical Speed Mode (VS): This mode adjusts altitude by raising or lowering the aircraft’s nose. After engaging VS, use the Nose Up or Nose Down buttons to set the desired altitude change.
  • Flight Level Change Mode (FLC): Similar to VS, FLC uses the Nose Up and Nose Down buttons to adjust altitude. However, it relies on throttle speed to alter altitude, so you’ll need to set a desired airspeed (in knots) for the autopilot to manage the altitude change.

To get the ideal climb speed for your aircraft, navigate to the Tmr/Ref (Time/Reference) menu on your primary display. You’ll find this information under the “Vy” (Best Rate of Climb) section. For instance, if Vy is 70 knots, adjust your Flight Level Change (FLC) setting to 70 knots for optimal results.

Possible Fixes for Autopilot Not Working

If you’re unable to activate autopilot, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

  • CDI is not set to GPS: If the plane isn’t following the flight plan, ensure the CDI is set to GPS. Press the CDI button on the primary flight display until it switches to GPS, and you’ll see magenta-colored bars instead of green.
  • OBS is activated: The autopilot won’t work if OBS is on. Make sure OBS is turned off.
  • Throttle adjustment is incorrect: For some planes, like Airbuses, the throttle must be set to the CL level. If it’s not, autopilot won’t activate.

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2024-12-01 00:05