I like to do it on downwind.
- I never use it
- When I start my descend
- At 10,000 feet
- On downwind
- On base
- When I enter the ILS cone
- 5nm to touchdown
- At 400 feet
- I use all the way till touchdown
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I like to do it on downwind.
0 voters
It depends. When I am using an aircraft with auto land, I dis-engage at around 1000ft depending on minimums. If I am not flying an aircraft with auto land, I disengage when I’m on base.
Usually on downwind. :)
Usually at 500 but sometimes at minimums.
It all depends on the circumstance. If I’m flying an airline livery, I show respect and make my turns as smooth as possible and I don’t make UltraTight™ patterns; therefore, I use autopilot until I’m about 6 miles out if I’m going for a straight in ILS or GPS approach. If I entered the downwind or base leg, I disengage it once established on the base leg.
If I’m flying a corporate livery, I can make the turns as tight as I need to. I usually will fly by hand about 10 miles out (or at the latest when established on the localizer) and if I have to enter the airport traffic pattern, I disengage it on the 3 mile 45 for downwind or when entering base.
Varies but I don’t disengage the AP all at once as I prefer to use the SPEED AP until shortly before touchdown as its easier to control via the AP then manually manipulating the throtttles.
Good point. I usually slowly disable functions until it finally is completely off rather than just pressing the master A/P switch and disengaging it all at once. Good to get a “feel” for the aircraft and how it reacts one bit at a time.
If the wind is relatively calm, I disengage when entering the ILS triangle but if the winds are pretty strong, I leave it on until I’m on 3-5nm final.
I use APPR until about 4nm, or until runway is in sight. Then I disengage, and fly my self.
I make sure to calibrate my device before turning AP off. If I’m in an aircraft with APPR I let it land the plane for me. I think the only time AP isn’t on is when I take off.
If theres a lot of fog, ill disengage when I see the runway, unless I can see it before Im 5nm away.
If Im on an A330 or A340, it will be like 7-9nm away
When I’m cleared to land. That way I have plenty of time to correct or position if the aircraft dives or the nose goes up
Usually between when I start my decent to the ILS cone.
Defiantly when I enter the ILS cone , but now and then sometimes the second I pick up the LOC I fly her in by hand.
Also Happy Anniversary @Aviationluver!
If weather is nice, as soon as I intercept. Nasty turbulence and cross wind then about 4-6 miles out. Extremely low visibility, once I have visual or 1.5-2 miles out. If its less than a mile visibility I use appr if available.
Not my anniversary yet. Half an hour to go ;)
I usually turn off autopilot right before entering the ils cone, which can vary with circumstances. I usually turn base and intercept ils manually and if I am coming straight in I disable ils 10nm out
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