An aircraft autopilot with many features and various autopilot related systems integrated into a single system is called an automatic flight control system (AFCS). These were formerly found only on high-performance aircraft. Currently, due to advances in digital technology for aircraft, modern aircraft of any size may have AFCS.

The auto flight system, consisting of the autopilot with automatic approach mode, the yaw damper and the auto throttle system gives the airplane the capability of automatic control during all flight conditions including approach (except CAT II approaches) when utilizing instrument landing (lLS) facilities.

Automatic Flight System (AFS) calculates orders to automatically control the flight controls and the engines. It computes orders and sends them to – Electrical Flight Control System (EFCS) to control flying surfaces, and Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) to control engines.

An autopilot is a system used to control the path of an aircraft, marine craft or spacecraft without requiring constant manual control by a human operator. Autopilots do not replace human operators.