Autopilot training / certification: mandatory before use?
 

Non-aviation person here, an author working on a book, with a quick question:

Do professional pilots have to be specifically trained and certified to use the autopilot features of an aircraft, before they can use autopilot? Or is autopilot training just included in normal training?

I assume the former but would appreciate hearing from a few experts. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. I assume most/all commercial passenger jet aircraft are in the ILS category II-III?

Most are but not all. Cat II and III requires aircraft certification and maintenance, pilot certification and recurrent training, airport certification and maintenance, and ATC training.

All jets and twin turboprops require a type rating which will demand full training in every aspect of the aircraft. Smaller light aircraft may or may not have AFDS fitted so it's entirely possible to learn to fly in a C172 without AP and then later rent one with an AP (I have - I just didn't try to use it!). Auto pilots can range from simple wing levellers and altitude hold functions to fully integrated Autopilot/flight director systems with 2 or 3 autopilots and multiple flight management computers with autoland capability.

The autopilot is just one component of the auto-flight system and is integrated with the FMS. Both of these components are critical to the routine operation of most airliners, be it Boeing or Airbus products. These are basic flying components used to operate todays airliners, be it long range oceanic operations, or low visibility landings and thus are taught from day one in all aircraft qualification training programs.