Originally Posted by WeirdHomer

Yes, there are several autopilot types and they each have several systems or configurations.

They also have categories:

Cat I
Cat II
Cat III wich is again devided into several configurations

Most aircraft override the autopilot when a pilot gives input by hand but they get a warning sound the autopilot is disconnecting itself.

Example of your question: Pilots are doing an ILS approach, they have autopilot on, they CAN set flaps without the autopilot disconnecting and they can operate the gear without the autoipilot disconnecting but when they give any input to the yoke it disconnects itself. For the engine power they can use autothrottle, some aircraft demand to push a button on the side of the thrust lever, some disconnect automaticly when a pilot gives input to the lever.

Also: new reports say the pilots went for full enigne power or full throttle moments before the crash.



http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/0...h.html?ref=rss