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. Keep a constant altitude

Answer: (B)

When AFCS is off, you’re flying without automatic stabilization, so the aircraft can respond more abruptly to your control inputs. Entering all maneuvers slowly is the best approach because gradual, deliberate inputs give the flight surfaces time to respond, reducing the risk of overcontrolling, overshoot, or developing oscillations. This steady, measured technique helps you maintain the desired attitude and airspeed and makes it easier to feel how the airplane is reacting, which is crucial when you don’t have autopilot damping to rely on. While reacting smoothly and avoiding overcontrol are good general habits, the specific remedy for AFCS-off flight is to introduce maneuvers slowly to manage the aircraft’s unaugmented response. Keeping altitude constant doesn’t directly address the dynamic response issues that occur when the AFCS is not providing stabilization.