A commercial airline pilot has revealed why autopilot is not always engaged during flights, offering insights as millions of Britons prepare for summer travel. Hannah Wells, a senior first officer at easyJet with seven years of experience flying Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, shared her perspective in an interview with the Sunday Times Magazine.
Why Autopilot Isn't Always On
Hannah explained that one key reason pilots avoid constant autopilot use is to maintain their manual flying skills. She stated: "People ask why we don't always use the autopilot. Well, if, heaven forbid, something technical goes wrong, which is very rare, you don't want a pilot who hasn't landed for two years. We're maintaining our skill set." Additionally, she admitted that she simply loves to fly, which motivates her to take manual control when possible.
However, during cruise phases above 29,000 feet, autopilot is mandatory. Hannah noted: "A lot of it you're spending in cruise — we have to put the autopilot on above 29,000ft — so you're monitoring the aircraft but you've got more time. You can chat, eat some food, read a book."
Insights from Other Pilots
Captain Steve, an American Airlines pilot, also shared his experiences in a TikTok Q&A. Addressing work-life balance, he highlighted how technology like FaceTime helps, but he also switched to a reserve line to reduce flying time. He said: "I did reserve on the airline and didn't work as much on reserve, I'd get called a few times a month... There were some inconveniences with being on call as well but I made that sacrifice to be with my family."
These revelations offer a rare glimpse into cockpit life, emphasizing the balance between automation and human skill in modern aviation.
