What must the PF do when the autopilot is engaged?

When the autopilot is engaged, the Pilot Flying (PF) must actively monitor the aircraft's flight path and make any necessary adjustments as required. This includes verbalizing these changes to ensure clear communication with the other crew members. By verbalizing changes, the PF maintains situational awareness and promotes a shared understanding of the flight's status within the cockpit. It’s crucial for safe flight operations, as this practice helps in recognizing any performance issues or discrepancies and allows for an organized response to changes in flight conditions or instructions from Air Traffic Control.

Engaging the autopilot does not relieve the PF from their duties; rather, it shifts the nature of their responsibilities to include monitoring the autopilot's performance closely and communicating their actions and intentions. This collaboration is vital for maintaining safety and ensuring effective operation in all phases of flight.