AFCS Levels 4 and 5 allow hands-off flying?

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 2 and 3
• C. 3 and 4
• D. 4 and 5

Answer: (D)

The idea behind AFCS levels is how much control the automation has over flying the aircraft. As the level increases, the system can manage more of the flight plan with less or no input from the pilot. In the higher levels, the autopilot and flight-control system can hold and follow a programmed path, manage speed and altitude, and handle routine transitions with minimal hand-on control. Because of that capability, the aircraft can be flown hands-off for portions of the flight or even entirely in normal conditions, with the pilot mainly monitoring and ready to intervene if needed. So, the higher two levels are the ones that allow hands-off flying, while lower levels still require active manual control or continuous monitoring.