Autopilot systems and automation in aviation MCQs – Aerospace

1. What does an autopilot system primarily control?
(A) Engine thrust
(B) Flight controls
(C) Landing gear
(D) Cabin pressure

2. Which phase of flight is autopilot most commonly engaged?
(A) Takeoff
(B) Landing
(C) Cruise
(D) Taxiing

3. What is the primary function of an autopilot in aviation?
(A) To provide weather information
(B) To automatically control the aircraft’s flight path
(C) To manage fuel efficiency
(D) To navigate through restricted airspace

4. Autopilot systems can control which of the following aircraft components?
(A) Ailerons, elevators, and rudder
(B) Only the engines
(C) Only the landing gear
(D) The passenger cabin temperature

5. Which autopilot mode holds the aircraft at a constant altitude?
(A) Heading hold
(B) Altitude hold
(C) Vertical speed hold
(D) Auto-throttle

6. What does a flight director provide to the pilot?
(A) Visual guidance for flight control
(B) Automatic landing capabilities
(C) Cabin announcements
(D) Engine monitoring

7. What does a “fail-safe” design in autopilot systems mean?
(A) It ensures flight continues safely even after a system failure
(B) It never allows the autopilot to disengage
(C) It alerts the crew to weather hazards
(D) It guarantees a smooth landing

8. Which of the following is a limitation of early autopilot systems?
(A) Inability to adjust altitude
(B) Lack of communication with air traffic control
(C) Could only control pitch and roll, not yaw
(D) Could not be engaged during takeoff

9. In an autopilot system, which sensor primarily provides altitude information?
(A) GPS
(B) Altimeter
(C) Weather radar
(D) Attitude indicator

10. What is the purpose of the yaw damper in an autopilot system?
(A) To control altitude
(B) To prevent excessive yaw movements
(C) To increase engine power
(D) To adjust airspeed