ATR 72-600 – Random Autopilot Disconnects on PlayStation 5
Description of the issue
The Hans Hartmann / Asobo ATR 72-600 has a serious autopilot stability issue on PlayStation 5 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
The autopilot can randomly and unexpectedly disconnect during otherwise completely stable phases of flight, with no obvious manual input, warning, or identifiable pilot error causing the disconnect.
The issue appears to occur in multiple operating configurations, including both FMS/LNAV navigation and raw HDG mode with no flight plan loaded.
Two situations where I can reproduce the issue:
1. FMS / LNAV operation
When flying with a loaded flight plan and using NAV/LNAV guidance, the autopilot can repeatedly disconnect, particularly around waypoint transitions, intercepts, or changes in FMS guidance.
2. Raw HDG operation with no flight plan
The problem is not limited to the FMS.
Even with the flight plan completely cleared and the aircraft being flown using basic HDG mode, the autopilot can still randomly disconnect during stable flight.
This suggests that the issue may involve the aircraft’s autopilot/trim or controller-input logic rather than being exclusively related to FMS navigation.
I have also experimented with the tablet’s AP Disconnect Sensitivity setting. Increasing the sensitivity and removing the flight plan can reduce the frequency in some situations, but it does not eliminate the problem.
The issue has been experienced with both the legacy ATR 72-600 (MSFS 2020 version) and the native ATR 72-600 version in MSFS 2024 on PS5.
Because the autopilot can repeatedly disconnect without an obvious cause, the aircraft becomes extremely difficult to use for normal IFR, cruise, or longer-distance operations on console.
FREQUENCY OF ISSUE
How often does this occur for you?
Highly intermittent, but very frequent when it occurs.
The autopilot can disconnect approximately every 2–3 minutes during some flights.
It can occur during:
It does not appear to require unusual weather conditions or obvious manual controller input.
REPRODUCTION STEPS
Steps to reproduce the issue
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Load either the legacy ATR 72-600 or the native ATR 72-600 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PlayStation 5.
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Perform a normal departure and climb.
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Engage the autopilot.
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Test either:
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FMS/LNAV: Load a flight plan and use NAV/LNAV guidance, or
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HDG: Clear the flight plan completely and use raw HDG mode.
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Establish stable flight and, where appropriate, level cruise.
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Set the power levers to the normal NOTCH position.
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Leave the aircraft otherwise undisturbed and allow the autopilot to control the aircraft.
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Monitor the flight deck.
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During normal pitch/trim corrections or changes in aircraft attitude, the autopilot may suddenly disconnect without deliberate pilot input.
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Re-engage the autopilot and continue monitoring. In affected flights, the disconnect can occur repeatedly.
Additional information
This appears to be particularly problematic on PS5, so I would be interested to know whether other PS5 users can reproduce the same behaviour.
If you’re also experiencing random ATR 72-600 autopilot disconnects on PS5, please vote on this post and/or comment with your experience, including whether it happens in:
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LNAV/FMS mode
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HDG mode
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Both
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Legacy 2020 ATR
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Native 2024 ATR
The more PS5 users who can confirm the same behaviour, the easier it should be to establish how widespread the issue is.
Platform: PlayStation 5
Simulator: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Aircraft: Hans Hartmann / Asobo ATR 72-600
Issue: Random/uncommanded autopilot disconnects
