Revision to Minimum Altitudes for the Use of an Autopilot

The Federal Aviation Administration amends the regulations governing the use of approved flight control guidance systems with automatic capability (autopilot), and would permit the use of an autopilot at altitudes less than 500 feet above ground level (AGL) during the takeoff and initial climb phases of flight. This amendment permits this use of approved autopilot systems for takeoff and initial climb phases of flight if the Administrator authorizes their use as stated in an air carrier's operations specifications. By permitting air carriers to take advantage of technological improvements in the operational capabilities of autopilot systems, safety will be enhanced by decreasing pilot workload during the critical takeoff phase of flight.