Airliners yes manually takeoff up to 7k ft engage ap then disengage on final approach once lined up with ils/loc.
Smaller props no manual vor
VFR very rarely, I usually do trim for hands free operation though. AP if for some reason the plane will not settle and I’m on a long cruisey flight or I need to briefly step away. Many of the planes I fly don’t have AP, and if they do I’ve never used it.
Airliners I mostly hand fly the departure, put AP on during climb and cruise, then leave it on for most of the approach, I always hand fly the arrival and landing. I always run the checklists and pilot workload for me is very high coming into the arrival so I don’t have time to hand fly it.
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Only fly VFR, and only use autopilot when I need a drink or when the cat decides that sitting in front of the screen is a good idea.
Can’t grasp using autopilot for much more. I like to interact not watch a video.
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Oh yes, cats are maybe the most underestimated reason for air disasters. I lost visual to the rw on short final countless times because of a cat appearing out of nowhere. A VR Headset greatly reduced this risk.
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Cats are proof teleportation exists.
Maybe I might have to look into VR for flying…
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Just a curious side question to ap…
IRL…
Where is the white line between vfr and ifr regarding ap? Or is there a bit of a grey area as in, is it allowed to use ap in vfr or do you start entering the ifr area when you start playing around with the ap
I use the AP very very rarely if ever, I just like flying by hand….setting the trim is almost autopilot in a way for me. Just spent 2 weeks learning ADF/NDB; VOR; GPS and ILS, don’t get me wrong AP is absolutely incredible in what it can achieve. My final AP flight of my learning spree saw me zoom right in on the G1000, so I could see nothing but a huge G1000, I took off from Manchester and touched down in Liverpool bringing the plane to a stop - I saw nothing of the cockpit windows start to finish, flew the entire trip by numbers.
Stunning what AP can achieve, but watching the numbers (for me personally) got a bit boring.
I suppose if I were doing a flight >1 hour, I’d use autopilot more.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m climbing into my Fokker F13 (looks like Jules Verne film inside the cockpit), and flying down the Rhine from Cologne to Düsseldorf.
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I’d be interested to know too.
AFAIK it doesn’t matter if you use AP in VFR, so long as you stay in VFR conditions (like, not flying through clouds just cus AP is on).
The autopilot helps you fly in a straight line, but doesn’t absolve you of your responsibility to look out the window and make sure you’re clear of terrain, obstacles, and other planes. Visual Flight Rules means the pilot in command is responsible for maintaining safety at all times!
You can use it, or not use it, as much as you like to reduce your workload in managing the controls.
Likewise it’s not required to use autopilot for IFR, as long as you monitor your instruments and stick to your assigned path and altitude. Autopilots are used because they make flying safer, easier, and less error-prone.
This is the way.
The VFR outside scan and/or IFR instrument scan are still always required, even if you’re not manipulating the controls at the time. AP helps with workload, but aeronautical decision making is always in the hands of the pilot.
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Not sure about that, from extensive experience I can tell you a cat jumping onto your lap whilst in VR is pretty terrifying !
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Autopilot is there to reduce pilot workload. There’s nothing in the regulation that says you can or cannot use it (at least Part 91 which I’m flying under). The PIC is responsible, whether AP is engaged or not. Checkrides are obviously different, the examiner can tell you to use it or not to use it, etc.
Typically, under VFR, the autopilot would be used for longer cross-country flights or whenever you feel task saturated and you just need a minute to do other things like planning a divert, getting frequencies, ATIS etc. It also helps in busy environments but you should really be proficient in using it and never depend on it. It’s a tool that can help but nothing you should ever rely on for safety.
I never use Auto pilot or automation. I only fly the A320 and C152. I like to be in full control of the aircraft at all times. With the A320, I’m never in the cockpit for long duration flights. Short hops from city to city. Jump in the C152 tour around, drone camera a bit around then back in the A320 to the next city. I never fly the A320 any more than 10,000 feet at any given time. My preference though is 5000 feet.
Almost always.
It was developed to stop pilots flying off-course.
25 minutes between airdromes in VFR C172, Set AP heading before takeoff.
I’m waiting for the opportunity to parachute jump from 5000 ft. 
Rarely (but I’m very new to MSFS). However, I’m finding myself using altitude hold mode only so I can take detours.
Is 5000 ft enough…? lol 
The A320 to me is just another GA flyer only bigger lol . 500 ft above the ground is always fun 
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