Airbus have a takeoff AP under development. Like Tesla, it is vision rather than radar based which I find interesting.In an airplane, every takeoff is flown manually, there simply are no autopilots that handle takeoffs today.
Landing is the most dangerous phase of flight accounting for nearly three times as many accidents as take off. Critical vs Dangerous?Not because it couldn't be done, but because it's the single most critical phase of flight,
As I understand it, the real reason aircraft do not use AP for takeoff, is the difficulty in automating the stop/go decision itself. Way too many variables! Easy to sense if an engine fails or tire bursts. Detecting or recognising an obstacle on runway, birdstike, crew incapacitation or if a part of the aircraft has just fallen off, not so simple.and the delay between taking manual control and already being in manual control is too long when having to abort a takeoff.
Try 200ft that I know of and possibly even lower.The earliest any airline will allow you to switch on the autopilot is passing 400ft above ground after takeoff.
Sorry thats BS. It's so they can have a fly.But many pilots will choose to fly manually until clear of terminal areas - at least the vertical/lateral AP modes don't usually come on until about 10 minutes or so after takeoff. Why? Because there's often a lot of traffic in terminal areas, and quick reaction time is often needed to avoid jerking your machine around, and you want to keep it smooth for all involved.
When I drive my Tesla, I do the same thing. I drive manually until I'm on a major road, then AP+AS is taking over, and I put myself in the mindset of *managing* the drive, no longer *driving* it.
But what does that mean? It's simple: It means you sit there, and you supervise the autopilot. You make sure it performs within specs, and you keep your eyes out for situations that might get it in trouble (as opposed to seeking those conditions and then complaining it almost killed you).
Yes I agree with your underlying philosophy though. Treating Tesla AP analogous to an aircraft AP serves one well.
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