What Airbus A350 Pilots Actually Do With The Autopilot On A 14-Hour Flight

Simple Flying

Modern jet airliners are more automated than ever, and the Airbus A350 is one of the best examples of how advanced flight technology has transformed commercial aviation. The aircraft’s autopilot can be engaged shortly after takeoff and manage much of the journey, but many pilots still choose to hand-fly the aircraft during the initial climb. We will explore why that practice continues, how airline procedures influence the decision, and why manual flying remains an important part of operating one of the world’s most sophisticated airliners.