When in HDG mode, what does the autopilot follow as it flies towards a heading?

When in HDG mode, what does the autopilot follow as it flies towards a heading?

• A. Altitude indicator
• B. Heading indicator
• C. Vertical speed indicator
• D. Navigation display

Answer: (B)

In HDG (Heading) mode, the autopilot is designed to follow the aircraft's heading indicator. This means that as the aircraft is flying, the autopilot relies on the information provided by the heading indicator to maintain the selected heading. When a pilot engages the autopilot in HDG mode, they essentially instruct the autopilot to steer the aircraft along a specific horizontal direction, which is indicated on the heading indicator. The heading indicator provides real-time data regarding the directional orientation of the aircraft in relation to magnetic north. This allows the autopilot to make necessary adjustments to the ailerons and rudder to maintain the set heading, ensuring that the aircraft stays on course. In contrast, the altitude indicator provides information about the aircraft's vertical position, and while important for navigation, it does not play a role in heading control. The vertical speed indicator measures the rate of altitude change, which is not relevant when the autopilot is focused solely on maintaining a specific heading. The navigation display could show various information, including waypoints or routes, but for HDG mode specifically, it is the heading indicator that is directly utilized by the autopilot system.

In HDG (Heading) mode, the autopilot is designed to follow the aircraft's heading indicator. This means that as the aircraft is flying, the autopilot relies on the information provided by the heading indicator to maintain the selected heading. When a pilot engages the autopilot in HDG mode, they essentially instruct the autopilot to steer the aircraft along a specific horizontal direction, which is indicated on the heading indicator.

The heading indicator provides real-time data regarding the directional orientation of the aircraft in relation to magnetic north. This allows the autopilot to make necessary adjustments to the ailerons and rudder to maintain the set heading, ensuring that the aircraft stays on course.

In contrast, the altitude indicator provides information about the aircraft's vertical position, and while important for navigation, it does not play a role in heading control. The vertical speed indicator measures the rate of altitude change, which is not relevant when the autopilot is focused solely on maintaining a specific heading. The navigation display could show various information, including waypoints or routes, but for HDG mode specifically, it is the heading indicator that is directly utilized by the autopilot system.