As a Sperry Aerospace Avionics Technician I have worked on the older 737 Autopilot controllers in the late 1980s, which was beginning years of my career. Those units were more reliable in operation compared to today’s Flight Guidance Control Panels.
Michelle, thank you for this easy to understand video! I am just an aviation enthusiast and don't have much knowledge of flight controls, but now I could explain to someone how the autopilot function works. I think you would be a great Flight Instructor if you ever decide to pursue that path!
Because I watch Mentor Pilot I did know something about what the autopilot does and doesn't do. But you have increased my knowledge. Thank you for that.
Maybe you remember that I asked you about piloting and eye surgery, unfortunately, the surgery doesn't fit, I won't be able to pilot, but it still feels good to watch you🙂🙂
Airbus A/P uses autothrust instead of autothrottle. In an Airbus; the thrustlever hardly moves during the flight: the pilot uses the lever to select the desired thrust-mode (TO/GA, FLEX, CLB or A/THR) and the engines automatically provide the thrust needed. Also, in an Airbus green means active and blue means armed. Furthermore; Airbus does not have seperate switches voor LNAV and VNAV, it is basically NAV, HDG, LOC/GS-mode. Also, instead of pressing seperate buttons you use the switch knobs to activate or de-activate parts of the A/P. Pressing will engage A/P, pulling will give controll back to the pilot flying. Some differences with Airbus I know, correct me if I'm wrong :). Great video!
Thanks for the instructional video. There were a series of "Airport" movies in the 1970's, which left the impression that any passenger could come to the cockpit and not only fly the plane, but also land it-which is why the comedy Airplane had so much fun with this concept.
I wonder if that's where the general public got the idea that the autopilot fully automates flight and then started applying that flawed idea to automotive autopilots.
@@NiHaoMike64 Thanks. Just yesterday I saw a media report that driverless cars are the future. Okay then, but I grew up in New Mexico, which has a lot of dirt roads. How will a driverless car know how to drive on a twisting up and down grade dirt road?
Also with A/P engaged, touching control column pitching the plane you discover CWS-P on the PFD and if you apply roll at the control column in this case CWS-R will pop up on the PFD.
The 737 autopilot is the reason I love Boeing vs Airbus. That and the fact a yolk is used a not a robot joystick. Call me old school but a 737ng is the greatest commercial jet in existence.
I like your vlogs alot. This one especially when you talk about when the captain is flying “ she” etc, and when the first officer is flying “he” etc. Thanks for doing these and inspiring perhaps a new generation of pilots!!
Robin I didn't notice the wording while totally engrossed in learning something about autopilots, and not policing speech, however you pointing it out is rather sexist wouldn't you say.. feminist, sjw thinking. God I hate social politics. Now that you have brought it to my attention, how about using "They" instead When the Captain is flying, "they" do so and so. When the first officer is flying, "they do this and that? DPG is talking aviation, not social politics and this sort of stuff needs to be put away for another day. stop trying to push you sexist agenda Sheeesh
ive been using the 737 a/p in sims PMDG then Zibo for a couple years and im still learning about it. very deep stuff in FMC setup its fun when a flight goes perfect from take off to landing
Preachin to the choir here partner. I love a nice, long uneventful, boring flight, real or sim, but especially real. An almost perfect Sunday afternoon is a perfect takeoff, listening for a few hours to the hone and whine of the engines, while ATC chatters away. Then a nice smooth ILS or visual landing. All while I catch up book work or putter around in my shop. If you haven't already, I must urge you to get a yoke, and dump the joystick. I just got my first yoke (the Honeycomb) and it is sweeeet. But it's a whole new ballgame because I have to relearn everything after years of flying sims with a joystick. Then I have the "new" FSX, another looloo, where they have stepped up the automation and realism of the aircraft I fly, (777), and gotta relearn that too. Now I am back at Meigs in Chicago, flying Cessna's till I get the hang of these things. Have fun and enjoy!
Hi Michelle. Wow how many years has it been? I remember when you came out here to Arizona to do your flight training, Embry Riddle was it. You definitely paid your dues and come a long way. Very proud of you. As you remember its been a couple of years since I retired. The last a/c was the 767 my experience is all Boeing, MD and Lockheed . Boeing Auto-Throttle vs Airb Auto-Thrust. ABus limit's pilot's in situations that require action to be taken the computer will limit the pilot from pushing the a/c past its safe regions. This latest action and updates were taken from Air France's crash Flt 447
Yeah, I am an avid flight simmer and aviation enthusiast, and I've heard that scuttlebutt from pilots for years. How ultimately the Boeing will cede command and control to the pilot, whilst the Airbus will not, even as it flies you and it into a mountain. Then, like a nagging fishwife, will beep "See, I told you I was right! That hill just shouldn't have been there!". But then, even with the plane being the boss, most pilots are very comfortable with it.
It's been a few hours since this video went live, but I absolutely LOVE seeing a new video from you, and the fact it's at almost 7600 views, but it has 0 dislikes is how every single video from you should always be! I just love to see it 🥰
This video is very informative. I enjoy how you go into detail explaining things in laymen's terms. I learned a lot about the autopilot and it's features. Thank you for all your videos. I've learned much about the aviation Industry.
Thank you for a great explanation of the autopilot. I'm not a pilot but i do use MSFS 2020 and this video has helped me to understand more about the autopilot. I hope you don't take offence, as in this day and age it seems offensive to pay a compliment but you have the most beautiful eyes also. Looking forward to your next video.
Hand flying: Flying the plan through physical movement of flight controls (yoke, rudders, thrust levers). Autopilot: Flying the plane by inputting commands into a computer on how you want the aircraft to perform.
Hello, coming from the flight sim world, I went from a FS9 777 (older version) to a FSX 777 (newer version) and the autopilot is very different from one to the other. I am certain the FSX AP is much more in line with what is really going on, because after watching your video (Which I hope to watch many more times) you learn/understand the AP is a mixture/integration of several different systems, and this corresponds to what is going on with the new version vs the older one. On the previous FS9, the AP was very simple; basically you could set speed, altitude, course, flight plan, through a Garmin APP, or otherwise. That was pretty much it. On the new version, there seems to be much more to do - and that is done. I won't go into everything, because it will take me years to figure it out - if ever -, but for example; I am used to setting and adjusting my own speed when descending to land, like starting from 35,000. Then it was simple to just manually lock on to the ILS and localizer signals via an "APP" button when you got in "range" of the ILS feather. But on the new (FSX) version, the speed is adjusted for you, as you descend, and it seems to glide right down to the localizer, automatically, given the settings are right from the start. Still, as much fun as it is, the automation sometimes actually seems to get in the way, but I am sure it's more like I get in it's way even more. It's a lot of fun though, and very educational, and your video really help to tie it together - sort of. But I have to watch it many more times. Keep your videos coming they are a joy to watch. Cheers!
Most of your videos make it all look so incredibly easy. This video however makes it clear just how much training and experience that you’ve had to make all those other videos appear so easy. I am incredibly impressed and your videos make me feel much more confident when flying as a passenger
You are right. One of the most frustrating questions I get from passengers is "doesn't the autopilot fly the plane for you?" They think there is just one on button you push, and then read a book.
Been watching pilot videos for years on RU-vid and this the first the autopilot has been explained to in an excellent manner . You have not dumbed it down and in some areas i need to re visit to understand what going on a bit more. That’s how it should be. Keep making great videos.
I love your videos. Just discovered you about two weeks ago. I am a member of Eastern Hops Flight Sim community and will post your video in our Discord. We have a few sim pilots with very sophisticated 737 sims. I’m sure they will enjoy your videos also.
I'm lucky enough to visually see passenger planes arriving into KPHL and hear the ATC conversations with the pilots. They usually cross my at 8-9K at a vor called VCN which is juat to my east. I also see high high altitude planes from KLGA, KEWR, KBDL, Montreal, Dulles going to various destinations, and can go on a site Live ATC to hear them also. Everyone traveling-stay safe.
This is such a great and easy explanation of such a complex system. Thank you very much and for sure you are doing a great service to the passengers sitting behind. They now know whats going on in the cockpit and some will learn it how to do even. 👍
The new emergency auto land systems in some single engine planes add to the chute system so even if the pilot drops dead you passengers are safe. ERAU 80 CFIA&I ret.
Michelle - why on landing are you moving the controls so much yet looking beyond you in the background, the flight appears rock steady? As a passenger, I've often wondered that when later looking at videos. My flights are generally smooth yet pilots are working the controls in extreme movements.
Hi Mike, this was actually a gusty and turbulent approach while the camera stabilizes the background. The control inputs might look extreme but they aren't, not really ;)
You have to make more movements on the yoke, versus let’s say driving a car, because when you’re landing you’re not only moving the plane side to side, but also up and down. That means one has to make way more movements.
@@DutchPilotGirl I assume then that a calm weather landing might be boring. The TV series "Air Disasters" ("Mayday in some countries) shows pilots fighting the controls yet you seem cool, calm, and collected moving the control column with ease. I'm impressed.
I wanted to know how pilots turn on the AP. Now, however, I know a lot more about it--and I should re-watch this video. I see AP is more than just a button or a switch you move--that's for the FD (flight director). It's a system for the pilot to work with, to accomplish a task, and, that is, fly the aircraft! Thanks!
I have a VFR license... just a small plane idiot I spose... but I watch your videos and wonder what it would be like to fly such a big bird... thank you. I hope there is someone like you in the cockpit everytime I fly.
Hi Michelle I liked your guided tour of the Auto Pilot system. This is first time I see your channel. I liked it ,so I 'm now subscribed. Good Job. Take Care Robert
Great video, terrific explanation about the autopilot and I like your 787 (PH-DPG), greetings from Chile. Gran vídeo, fantástica explicación sobre el piloto automático y me gusta tu 787 (PH-DPG), saludos desde Chile.
And I thought there was simply an ‘on’ or ‘off’ switch for flying these beasts 🤣 Great video, it confirms why you guys earn you money…..and that’s when it’s going well rather than gong wrong!
Wow! DutchPilotGirl, excellent tutorial on the Auto Pilot for the Boeing 737 yes I learned a lot thank you! Amazing how many systems are actually tied into the Auto Pilot & if nothing is done by the Pilot nothing will happen as you mentioned... Godspeed...
Learned a lot today. As with the humans on the flight deck with CRM, there is a lot of integration and coordination between the various flight management systems. And with most things aviation, it is never as simple as we might think. Great video this month Michelle! 👍
Thanks for the overview. In my view, the pilots are still flying the plane even though AP is on. But to say that still requires an understanding of flight control and the variation of circumstances that arise while in the air. I'm not a pilot. However, I can see that judicious use of AP is necessary...and especially when emergencies occur and you need the time for correct decision making.
Absolutely - they should be flying the plane. And usually can, no matter the size, if they have a basic and instinctive knowledge, and are not totally reliant on the automation and knows it's place and function. The 737 Max is a great example where that seems to play out. Long story short is it has a glitch - it really doesn't "want" to fly by design. It's engineering stuff, engines too big, wings in wrong place - something. But, there is a difference in American pilots approach and foreign pilots. American pilots tend to have more experience actually "flying" an air plane, and when the glitch presented itself, they would almost instinctively and subconsciously respond to it. Most it becomes is a bitchin point in the coffee break room or scuttlebutt on the internet. Foreign pilots tend to rely more on the automation, which can pile error, upon error. Countries are in a hurry to get pilots into the air, so push and skip in training. In my flight simulations, when I get into difficulty, first thing I do is what I learned from pilots - dump the automation and take control. Do what you know to do to get it right and stabilize, then kick the AP back on. The only time I don't do that is when I find my plane in really, really deep in the toilet. Then I tell Zeke, hey you figure it out, I gettin some coffee. Sometimes he actually does, but most times he doesn't. Oh, Zeke is the "Z" key on the Microsoft Flight Simulator to toggle the AP. Have a good one, ole' boy!
She didn’t mention the fact that the autopilot flies the aeroplane more efficiently then a human. I didn’t work on the B787, but I do know in the B747 DDPG ( dispatch deviation procedures guide) if all three autopilots were unserviceable the aircraft could be dispatched (flight crews didn’t like it because of the workload, but it was legal) but there was a fuel penalty. Extra fuel had to be loaded to compensate for the human pilot control inputs not being as accurate as the autopilot computer inputs thus causing increased drag thus burning more fuel. Pilots hated this when they were informed of the extra fuel being loaded and why it had to be loaded. The autopilot can sense what the aircraft is doing almost before it does it, so it can put in “fine tuning” control inputs faster than a human, thus giving a smoother flight with less drag.
Thank you so much it was a very informative video, and thank you and your fellow intelligent pilots for allowing us to travel the world safely and confident knowing that you are totally capable of operating these sophisticated aircraft !!
I'll have to see this again, but my interpretation is that the 'Flight Director' is essentially the 'Auto Pilot' we think of, since many changes during flight by the pilots and ATC appear to be controlled on it. I've noticed speed, altitude and direction are typically made on the FD, when it's engaged. Of course, when flying manually and/or on TO or approach/landing, you are using the yoke, rudder peddles and throttle.
Nice video Michelle! It brings me back in years when Antonov was a widely used plane in East Europe... I actually never had a Boa type rating and jumped to Fly by Wire systems 😀😃 The principles are similar, but different and sometimes simpler 😪
Michelle bedankt voor je video. Ik kon wat leren. Alles onhouden is iets anders. Ik hoop dat U nu kunt werken. In Schiphol zie ik nog teveel vliegtugen.
My father was a navigator in the US Air Force from 1951-1973. Back then apparently navigators were needed in KC97's KC135 tankers and C133 and C141 cargo plains. Since then I have heard navigators are no longer used although I don't know what year they were eliminated.
i was riding jumpseat on a ATR-42 from KSTL-KMEM as soon as we took off from KSTL the capt hit the autopilot button we were about midfield then taking off to the west i was in the jumpseat because the capt whom in knew asked if i wanted to ride there i did work for the airline as a ramper it was awesome riding jumpseat not my first time but a first time in the ATR by the wa this was in the mid 90s
What is for you the best way to study with PPL? i under stand everything but i still cant find a good way to study……… over 2 week i will go to CBR for exam.
I never had to study for my PPL since I took an integrated route but I would apply the same tactics: listen, make notes, study, repeat. No social life for a while and make it your number one priority! Flash cards also help tremendously when studying ;) Good luck with your exams!
Love this video!! Please do more of the technical / educational type videos on operations of the 737. Would love to see a tutorial on programming & using the FMC.
A really nice presentation of the three systems and how they work. I understand them but gained a lot more perspective about how pilots operate and interact with them. My impression has always been that Boeing puts more emphasis on Pilot's flight awareness and interaction with the plane than Airbus' incorporating more monitoring of the automated systems by the pilots.
Hi Michelle, i am a sim enthusiast for a long time. For me Boeing controls seem to be harder than Airbus especially the autopilot system but learning the complete system i will be practicing and flying with Boeing on simulator more often to get used to it :) please keep the videos coming. Its great to learn from one of the best..
Michelle comments reminded me how I tried to get stationed in Amsterdam when I was in the USAF back when we had our F-16s stationed there during the Cold War. Funny story was my avionics squadron commander was a former C-141 pilot and did not even know we had planes there. Would have thought the USAF flew cargo planes there too. Then again I was in California so most of our planes were in the Pacific. Thanks for the video. I knew some of it, but not all. I now have more respect for how the systems and pilots work together. Wish you blue skies and little wind as you do your amazing job!
Can you also talk about CATI-II-III markings on the runway signs and auto landing capabilities in low visibility scenarios. Also, could you talk about the new Garmin advanced augmentation systems starting to show up on planes like the Cirrus SR22 light aircraft please? Thank you for the excellent presentation.
Michelle, ik geniet enorm van je presentatie. Een probleem met mij is dat ik leer door te zien. Een whiteboard dat de systemen verbindt, zou helpen. door een visueel hulpmiddel te gebruiken, zou het gemakkelijker zijn om te begrijpen hoe de systemen met elkaar omgaan. Ook duidelijkere definities van de verschillende instrumenten. Ik hoop te worden opgenomen in een passantenlijst op uw vliegtuig.
I can tell when the AP is flying and when the pilots are flying. While the AP is flying it's smooth as glass. When the pilots are flying the plane is pitching up and down plus rolling quite a bit. Basically you feel the corrections.
This is an excellent video! I appreciate all the work done to show each of the control modes and indications. I’m a private pilot and have some sim experience, but not in the B737. I really enjoy your videos.
Interesting video. Also your special plane was nice to see😄The real auto pilot is so much more different than what we see in the movies. I actualy use the term "autopilot" when I do something without having any emotions involved😃...anyway, stay safe gorgeous😘, have an awesome day🥀
Hi I love your awesome videos! When you hit the auto pilot disconnect does it automatically shut down all the other selected controls??? I miss your videos!!!!
Hi Marvin, no the flight director will continue to operate in the selected modes but the flight controls are controlled manually. Good question! Should have included that in the video...
The assumption after one understands the autopilot function is that all autopilot systems are alike. When in fact they are not, and its incumbent upon pilots to insure they understand and are familiar with the equipment before flight. Switches are in different locations, gauges and readout settings, same thing, etc. Putting someone into a A330 when they fly 737 usually, takes some adjustment! This must be understood before the flight
You are out of this world beautiful!! 🤩And of course sharing the passion for aerospace and flying with you is amazing too. Congratulations on all your success and wish you lots more to come 🤗
Thank you so much for the video. It clarified some procedural questions I've had. Could you go through an actual descent to approach? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience.
