an S Tec autopilot

to read about the history of the autopilot, click here (opens in new frame)

Many light aircraft are fitted with an autopilot (often called 'George')  although it is not equipment that is used during basic flight training.

Mooney was one of the first manufacturing companies to fit a wing leveller as standard to their aircraft. Indeed, early manuals recommended that it be deployed at all times. Modern units will maintain altitude, compass heading, or will track a VOR or ADF signal. They may be coupled with a GPS unit, and some are able to track a glideslope right down to the runway.

Autopilots come into their own on long flights, or when the pilot is flying in cloud and needs time to navigate. Operation of these units varies with manufacturer and some are much more user friendly than others.