Autopilot Cws Mode
🕹️ Control Wheel Steering (CWS) — Simple Explanation
CWS is an autopilot mode that lets the pilot manually steer the aircraft using the control column or wheel — without fully disconnecting the autopilot.
⚙️ How It Works
- When CWS is engaged, the autopilot stays active, but it follows the pilot’s control inputs.
- The pilot moves the control wheel or column → sensors send signals to the autopilot → autopilot moves the control surfaces accordingly.
- When the pilot releases the control, the autopilot holds that new attitude (pitch and/or roll).
🧩 Key Points
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows manual control through the autopilot system |
| Axes | Pitch (CWS P) and/or Roll (CWS R) |
| Display | Shown on the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) |
| Control feel | Similar to manual flying |
| When pressure released | Autopilot holds current attitude |
| Flight Director (FD) | Still shows guidance, but A/P doesn’t follow it in CWS mode |
✅ In short:
CWS lets the pilot “fly through” the autopilot — move the controls manually, and when released, the autopilot holds the new attitude automatically.