If the primary trim switches on the yoke are activated while the autopilot is engaged, what happens?

If the primary trim switches on the yoke are activated while the autopilot is engaged, what happens?

• A. The autopilot disconnects
• B. The yoke trim continues to follow manual input
• C. The autopilot remains engaged
• D. The autopilot switches to altitude hold

Answer: (A)

When you actively trim with the yoke while the autopilot is holding the airplane, that trim action is treated as a direct manual control input. The flight control system is designed so manual trim input takes priority over the autopilot to avoid the autopilot fighting your commands. As a result, the autopilot disengages, and control passes back to you. This prevents conflicting signals between the trapped autopilot’s stabilizer position and your manual trim request.

When you actively trim with the yoke while the autopilot is holding the airplane, that trim action is treated as a direct manual control input. The flight control system is designed so manual trim input takes priority over the autopilot to avoid the autopilot fighting your commands. As a result, the autopilot disengages, and control passes back to you. This prevents conflicting signals between the trapped autopilot’s stabilizer position and your manual trim request.