What is the autopilot used for on the 787?

What is the autopilot used for on the 787?

• A. To manually steer the aircraft during takeoff.
• B. To provide only altitude hold during flight.
• C. To automatically control the aircraft along the flight plan and maintain stability.
• D. To manage cabin pressurization.

Answer: (C)

Autopilot on the 787 is designed to automatically fly the airplane along the planned route while keeping the aircraft stable. When engaged, it uses guidance from the Flight Management System to follow the flight plan with LNAV (lateral navigation) and VNAV (vertical navigation). This means it handles both the path in the horizontal plane and the altitude/speed profile, coordinating control surfaces and thrust to maintain the commanded trajectory with minimal pilot input. This capability reduces workload and supports precise handling from after takeoff through cruise and on to approach. It isn’t used just for altitude hold, and cabin pressurization is managed by the environmental control system, not the autopilot. Autopilot is typically engaged after the airplane is established in the climb rather than for manual steering during takeoff.

Autopilot on the 787 is designed to automatically fly the airplane along the planned route while keeping the aircraft stable. When engaged, it uses guidance from the Flight Management System to follow the flight plan with LNAV (lateral navigation) and VNAV (vertical navigation). This means it handles both the path in the horizontal plane and the altitude/speed profile, coordinating control surfaces and thrust to maintain the commanded trajectory with minimal pilot input. This capability reduces workload and supports precise handling from after takeoff through cruise and on to approach. It isn’t used just for altitude hold, and cabin pressurization is managed by the environmental control system, not the autopilot. Autopilot is typically engaged after the airplane is established in the climb rather than for manual steering during takeoff.