Autopilots
Sourcing Autopilots
If you are sourcing aircraft autopilots, this page connects you with aviation suppliers offering systems designed to reduce pilot workload and improve flight precision across a range of operations. Autopilots can manage heading, altitude, vertical speed and navigation tracking, supporting both VFR and IFR flying. On AvPay, you can explore available autopilot listings, compare system capabilities and connect directly with providers offering solutions suitable for light aircraft, helicopters and more advanced avionics configurations.
Helpful Hints when Buying Autopilots
✈ Confirm compatibility with your aircraft type and existing avionics, as autopilot integration depends on flight instruments, GPS sources and electrical systems.
✈ Check the level of control offered, such as two axis or three axis systems, depending on whether you require basic stabilisation or full flight management capability.
✈ Verify certification and approval status, particularly for IFR operations where compliance with aviation authority requirements is essential.
✈ Assess integration with navigation systems, ensuring the autopilot can track GPS routes, approaches and flight plans where required.
✈ Consider installation complexity and downtime, as retrofitting autopilots can require significant aircraft modification and system calibration.
✈ Review user interface design and ease of operation, as intuitive controls are critical during high workload phases of flight.
✈ Check availability of software updates and long term support, as avionics systems require ongoing maintenance and updates to remain reliable.
✈ Evaluate redundancy and failure modes, ensuring the system provides safe disengagement and clear alerts in the event of malfunction.
What to Consider when Choosing a Provider
When selecting a provider for aircraft autopilots, focus on technical expertise, certification knowledge and the ability to support installation and integration. Key considerations include system compatibility, approval status, installation requirements and realistic lead times. It is also important to assess whether the supplier can provide ongoing support, updates and troubleshooting assistance. On AvPay, you can contact providers directly via phone, email or WhatsApp through their listings, and by clicking on the organisation’s name you can view their full profile, capabilities and additional avionics services.
Market your Autopilot Services on AvPay
If you supply or install aircraft autopilots, AvPay offers a targeted platform to present your avionics solutions to a global aviation audience. You can showcase system capabilities, highlight certifications and connect directly with aircraft owners, operators and maintenance organisations. The platform supports increased visibility, efficient enquiry generation and helps position your business within the avionics and flight systems sector.
➤ List your Company and Services on AvPay
Frequently Asked Questions when Searching for Autopilots
✈ What does an aircraft autopilot system do?
An autopilot controls aspects of flight such as heading, altitude and navigation, reducing pilot workload and improving flight accuracy.
✈ What is the difference between two axis and three axis autopilots?
Two axis systems control pitch and roll, while three axis systems also manage yaw, providing more complete flight control.
✈ Can autopilots be retrofitted to older aircraft?
Yes, many systems are designed for retrofit, but compatibility and installation requirements must be carefully assessed.
✈ Are autopilots required for IFR operations?
They are not always mandatory but are highly beneficial for workload management and precision during instrument flying.
✈ Can autopilots follow GPS flight plans?
Many modern systems integrate with GPS and navigation equipment, allowing automatic tracking of routes and approaches.
✈ What happens if an autopilot fails?
Autopilots are designed to disengage safely, allowing the pilot to take manual control immediately.
✈ Do autopilots require regular maintenance?
Yes, periodic inspection and calibration are required to ensure accuracy and reliability.
✈ Can suppliers assist with installation and setup?
Many providers offer installation support or work with approved engineers to ensure correct system integration.
Common Autopilot Features and Functions
Modern aircraft autopilots provide far more than basic heading hold, offering a range of features designed to improve flight precision, reduce pilot workload and support safe operations across all phases of flight. Understanding these functions helps operators select systems that align with their aircraft capability and mission profile, whether for general aviation, training or IFR operations.
✈ Heading Mode allows the autopilot to maintain a selected heading using inputs from the heading indicator or directional gyro, providing stable directional control during cruise and manoeuvring.
✈ Altitude Hold maintains a selected altitude by controlling pitch, reducing pilot workload during cruise and helping ensure compliance with assigned flight levels.
✈ Vertical Speed Mode enables the aircraft to climb or descend at a set rate, allowing controlled altitude changes while maintaining smooth flight profiles.
✈ Navigation Mode allows the autopilot to track GPS routes, VOR radials or flight plans, providing accurate lateral guidance during en route and approach phases.
✈ Approach Mode supports precision and non precision approaches by capturing and tracking localiser and glide slope signals where equipped.
✈ Flight Director Integration provides visual guidance cues on the primary flight display, helping pilots follow autopilot commands even when flying manually.
✈ Yaw Damper Function reduces unwanted yaw movements, improving passenger comfort and aircraft stability, particularly in turbulent conditions.
✈ Automatic Trim adjusts control forces during autopilot operation, reducing pilot input and preventing excessive control pressures during extended use.