All these years and I never knew we were supposed to be sleeping!!...
Just been reading the log of the intrepid teenage round the World yachtsman to find...
The auto-pilot is vital for solo sailors, as it allows the skipper to sleep in small stretches while the boat effectively sails itself, much like an auto-pilot in a commercial aircraft.
So, for all of you who find a multiple choice in your ATPL's asking, 'what is the purpose of an auto-pilot'. The correct answer is...'so that the pilot can have a sleep!'
