There was an interesting article in the AOPA mag about autopilots in IMC and autopilot coupled approaches. The conclusion was that why not fly in IMC and shoot apporaches using the AP, but when using the AP, great care should be taken to monitor what is going on. Especially during the approach, the AP should be followed through and the pilot should be prepared for a disconnect at any time.
I've flown AP coupled approaches, and so long as the AP is working correctly, they're brilliant. (I reckon the one I was using would actually land the aircraft, follow the ILS in, then pull the throttle over the threshold and there you go autoland......not that I tried it of course
) GPS coupled AP approaches are the way forward.
Cheers
EA
