The autopilot is a separate window from the main panel. It is toggled on/off by the toggle button marked 'AP' 
On the VC the AP panel is positioned in the middle of the pedestal.
When fully engaged, this autopilot always has full control of the aircraft.
Unless any of the automatic pitch modes are engaged (HEIGHT, AIRSPEED, GLIDE), then aircraft pitch is controlled by manual adjustments to the pitch switch on the lower section of the unit (10).
Unless any of the automatic turn modes are engaged (HEADING, BEAM), then the aircraft is controlled by manual adjustments to the turn knob on the lower section of the unit (11).
The autopilot will only use the NAV1 radio as input for the BEAM & GLIDE functions.
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1 : POWER
The Autopilot must be powered up before it can be used.
After 'pulling' the switch, the power up process takes about 45 seconds.
The Autopilot Master switch on the overhead panel must be ON to be able to power up the A/P unit.
2 : ENGAGE (AP Master Switch)
Engage the autopilot if the A/P has been fully powered up. The Amber 'READY' light shows when the A/P can be engaged.
The flight director can still use the different modes if the autopilot is not engaged.
3 : HEADING
Heading hold. Will turn onto and hold the heading as indicated by the heading bug on the Compass (main panel).
4 : HEIGHT (ALT Hold)
One of two automated pitch based modes, HEIGHT holds the current altitude.
This mode can be cancelled by clicking on HEIGHT again.
Selecting HEIGHT hold will automatically deselect AIRSPEED hold, if it is in use.
5 : AIRSPEED
This is not an auto throttle control.
One of two automated pitch based modes, AIRSPEED holds the current Indicated Air Speed by adjusting the pitch.
The current air speed value is read when AIRSPEED hold is activated.
AIRSPEED hold will activate the auto trim system which will automatically adjust the elevator trim.
With AIRSPEED hold selected, any manual change in throttle setting will be translated into a change in climb rate.
This mode can be cancelled by clicking on AIRSPEED again.
Selecting AIRSPEED hold will automatically deselect HEIGHT hold, if it is in use.
6 : GLIDE
Follows both localizer & glide slope beams for the NAV1 radio. Equivalent to 'APR' on other autopilots.
In FS, selecting GLIDE will always select BEAM as well. Both had to be selected on the real unit.
7 : BEAM (LOC/VOR)
Holds to any VOR or localizer beam that is set on NAV1 (radio panel). Ignores any glide slope beam if NAV1 is tuned to an ILS. Equivalent to 'NAV' on other autopilots.
8 : Rudder, Elevator, Aileron circuits
Use these switches to release each axis from the autopilot's control.
In FS, only the Elevator & Aileron circuits can be disengaged. Rudder is a dummy switch.
With any channel disengaged, the amber READY light comes on.
9 : READY light
This lights up amber when the autopilot is fully powered up and ready to be engaged. Once engaged the light goes out.
10 : Pitch Switch
Once the A/P is engaged, unless any of the automatic pitch modes are engaged (HEIGHT, AIRSPEED, GLIDE), then aircraft pitch is controlled by manual adjustments to the pitch switch.
Works in the same direction as the pitch trim wheel - switch up to lower the nose, switch down to raise the nose.
11 : Turn Knob
Once the A/P is engaged, unless any of the automatic turn modes are engaged (HEADING, BEAM), then the aircraft is controlled by manual adjustments to the turn knob.
Click left to turn left, click right to turn right.
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Comet 4 Panel Manual