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4 Answers

Maximum Autopilot Altitude?

Asked by: 1956 views Instrument Rating, Private Pilot

Hello, I was wondering if the plane I was flying had no operational autopilot, If there was a limit in terms of Flight Level that I could go to. Lets say i'm going eastbound. Not actually flying this but I have always wondered if autopilot was required at a certain altitude or airspace.

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4 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Nov 26, 2019

    There are regulations requiring an autopilot for certain operations, such as Part 135 single pilot with passengers. And there are regulatory minimum altitudes fir certain ops. And there are some specific approaches which must be flown coupled.

    But other than that I am not aware if any airspace or altitude in which an autopilot is required.

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  2. Russ Roslewski on Nov 26, 2019

    Well there is RVSM airspace starting at FL290 to FL410. Operations in this airspace require:

    “The aircraft must be equipped with at least one automatic altitude control system that controls the aircraft altitude” (Part 91 Appendix G)

    And from AC 91-85b:

    “An automatic altitude control system must be operative and engaged during
    level cruise…”

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  3. John D Collins on Nov 26, 2019

    For operations in RVSM airspace, which in the US is between FL290 and FL410. the aircraft is required to be equipped with an autopilot that will hold altitude to tight tolerances.

    Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace. Within RVSM airspace, air traffic control (ATC) separates aircraft by a minimum of 1,000 feet vertically between flight level (FL) 290 and FL 410 inclusive. RVSM airspace is special qualification airspace.

    From Appendix G to Part 91—Operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace:

    “(c) Altitude-keeping equipment: All aircraft. To approve an aircraft group or a nongroup aircraft, the Administrator must find that the aircraft meets the following requirements:

    (1) The aircraft must be equipped with two operational independent altitude measurement systems.

    (2) The aircraft must be equipped with at least one automatic altitude control system that controls the aircraft altitude—

    (i) Within a tolerance band of ±65 feet about an acquired altitude when the aircraft is operated in straight and level flight under nonturbulent, nongust conditions; or

    (ii) Within a tolerance band of ±130 feet under nonturbulent, nongust conditions for aircraft for which application for type certification occurred on or before April 9, 1997 that are equipped with an automatic altitude control system with flight management/performance system inputs.”

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  4. Mark Kolber on Nov 26, 2019

    Ah yes! RSVM. I forgot about that,

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