Description
Install, inspect, test, calibrate, adjust, and repair automatic flight control systems—such as autopilot, flight director, yaw damper, and autothrottle—and related sensors, servos, and control computers in aircraft.
- • Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional tests of autopilot and automatic flight control systems.
- • Test and troubleshoot autopilot sensors, servos, clutches, trim motors, and control units using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, or specialized test sets.
- • Keep records of maintenance, calibration, and repair work in accordance with regulatory and manufacturer requirements.
- • Coordinate work with avionics engineers, pilots, and maintenance crews to resolve automatic flight control issues.
- • Interpret flight and maintenance test data to diagnose autopilot malfunctions, coupling issues, and performance problems.
- • Install autopilot components, wiring harnesses, sensors, and control panels using hand tools, power tools, and soldering equipment.
- • Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning servos, sensors, or control computers and perform required calibrations.
- • Connect and integrate autopilot systems with navigation, air data, and flight control assemblies, including radios, AHRS/IRS, pitot-static, and trim systems.
- • Assemble or refurbish control switches, junctions, and mounting hardware for autopilot installations.
- • Fabricate brackets, wiring, and test harnesses as required for troubleshooting or modifications.
- • Lay out and route autopilot wiring and components following blueprints, STCs, maintenance manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- • Assemble prototypes or test rigs for control circuits and systems to validate repairs or upgrades.
- • Load, configure, and update automatic flight control system software and parameters using approved tools.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
