Precision flying demands a pilot honing the ability to finely tune their inputs to the ailerons, elevators and rudder, tasks autopilots have proven they can handle better than humans. Of course, precision flying wouldn't exist if not also for a gentle hand on the throttles. Auto-throttles, the next logical step in cockpit automation, make short work of this chore. Think of auto-throttles like a cruise control for airplanes, automation that frees the pilot to focus on more pressing tasks, especially if he or she is the only person aboard. Auto-throttles, long standard on jets, have now made their way to a variety of turboprops.
展开▼
