Which technique is recommended to aid in AFCS off flight?

• A. React positively and smoothly to divergent movements
• B. Enter all maneuvers slowly
• C. Avoid overcontrolling the ACFT
• D. Maintain a fixed heading

Answer: (A)

When AFCS is off, automatic stabilization isn’t doing the work, so the airplane responds more to gusts and your manual inputs. The best approach is to react positively and smoothly to any divergent movement. By applying deliberate, gentle corrections in the direction needed to bring the aircraft back toward stable flight, you dampen the motion and avoid adding energy that could worsen the disturbance. Smooth, controlled inputs help you regain a balanced attitude without overshooting or inducing new oscillations.

Other options touch on related habits, but they don’t address the immediate need as directly. Entering maneuvers slowly is good discipline, but it’s not the primary tactic for stabilizing an aircraft when AFCS is off. Avoiding overcontrolling is part of good stick-and-rudder technique, yet the key idea here is making calm, corrective inputs to counter disturbances. Maintaining a fixed heading isn’t realistic or safe while you’re working to stabilize the aircraft, since your heading will need to adjust as you correct attitude and balance.