Autopilot: heading and altitude hold
intermediateSet the bugs, engage the GFC 700, and hold a heading and altitude.
Start this scenario
Open the SimTuts G1000 simulator and select “Autopilot: heading and altitude hold” from the scenarios list to walk through it step-by-step on the simulated glass cockpit.
Open trainer →Step-by-step: Autopilot: heading and altitude hold
- Set the heading bug to 120°.
Always set the bug before selecting HDG so the aircraft turns the way you expect.
- Set the altitude bug to 5,000 ft.
The GFC 700 uses this selected altitude as its ALT-hold target.
- Engage the autopilot (AP).
Engaging AP with no modes selected holds wings level and pitch.
- Select Heading mode and Altitude hold.
Now the aircraft turns to the heading bug and levels at the selected altitude.
Background reading
- GuideMSFS 2024 Autopilot Guide: Every Mode Explained (GA and Airliners)
How to use the MSFS 2024 autopilot — engage it in the Cessna 172, 737 and A320, master HDG, NAV, VNAV and APR, and fix the modes that won't arm.
- GuideGarmin G1000 and G3000 Avionics Guide for MSFS 2024: The Complete Hands-On Tutorial
Master the Garmin G1000 and G3000 glass cockpit in MSFS 2024 — PFD/MFD layout, flight plans, Direct-To, autopilot modes, and loading approaches.