A fully integrated autopilot controls the aircraft around how many axes?

A fully integrated autopilot controls the aircraft around how many axes?

• A. Two (roll and pitch)
• B. Four (roll, pitch, yaw, altitude)
• C. Three (roll, pitch, yaw)
• D. One (roll)

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that an integrated autopilot controls the aircraft about three rotational axes: roll, pitch, and yaw. Roll is rotation around the longitudinal axis and the autopilot uses ailerons to keep wings level or to bank into a turn. Pitch is rotation around the lateral axis, with the elevator managed to hold a desired attitude or to climb/descent. Yaw is rotation around the vertical axis, controlled via the rudder or a yaw damper to maintain a heading or coordinated turn. Altitude control involves vertical motion, which is a separate, non-rotational control channel, not an extra axis. So, three axes best describes the autopilot’s primary rotational control.

The main idea is that an integrated autopilot controls the aircraft about three rotational axes: roll, pitch, and yaw. Roll is rotation around the longitudinal axis and the autopilot uses ailerons to keep wings level or to bank into a turn. Pitch is rotation around the lateral axis, with the elevator managed to hold a desired attitude or to climb/descent. Yaw is rotation around the vertical axis, controlled via the rudder or a yaw damper to maintain a heading or coordinated turn. Altitude control involves vertical motion, which is a separate, non-rotational control channel, not an extra axis. So, three axes best describes the autopilot’s primary rotational control.