Autopilot (AP)

ENGAGEMENT

Autopilot engagement is inhibited on the ground.

In flight the autopilot is engaged pushing the AP button on the guidance panel. The AP engagement is verified on the FMA on both PFD’s.

With the confirmation of the AP label on the FMA the autopilot is controlling the airplane pitch, roll and yaw according to the flight director selections.

DISENGAGEMENT

NORMAL DISENGAGEMENT

The autopilot is normally disengaged by pressing the quick disconnect PB on either control wheel.

Pressing the button once:

• Disengages the autopilot;

• Triggers the aural warning “AUTOPILOT”;

• The FMA “AP” annunciation blinks in red.

Pressing the button the second time cancels the aural warning and the FMA annunciation.

The autopilot may be momentarily overridden by pressing the TCS button on the control wheel. Releasing the TCS, the autopilot resumes airplane control.

NON-NORMAL DISENGAGEMENT

The autopilot also disengages if one of the following conditions occurs:

• AP button is pressed on the guidance panel;

• Either manual pitch trim switch is actuated;

• Either stick shaker is activated.

• Windshear escape guidance is activated.

ABNORMAL DISENGAGEMENT

The following events cause an autopilot disconnect and EICAS message:

• Reversion of the fly-by-wire system to direct mode.

• Either the aileron or elevator control system is disconnected.

• A pilot input contrary to the autopilot is made on the controls with a long time light force or a short time stronger force.

• Internal monitor failure.

After Non-Normal or Abnormal Disengagement, pressing either AP disconnect button once cancels the flashing “AP” on the FMA and silences the aural alarm.

NOTE: AP disengagement by application of force on control column, through the forward and after movement, and control wheel, lateral movement, is indicated in red on FMA. The AP disengagement by application of force only on control wheel may be indicated in red on FMA and AP FAIL message may be displayed on the EICAS.