Can a plane land on autopilot?

Yes, most modern commercial aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot systems that enable them to land automatically. These systems are referred to as autoland or automatic landing systems. While autopilots can execute landings autonomously, they are closely monitored by the flight crew, and the pilots retain the ability to take control of the aircraft at any point during the landing process.

Autoland systems utilize various sensors, such as radar altimeters, radio navigation aids, and GPS, to accurately determine the aircraft's position and altitude relative to the runway. The autopilot precisely controls the aircraft's descent, airspeed, and flight path, adhering to the programmed flight plan and instrument landing system (ILS) data.

To ensure safety and redundancy, autoland systems have multiple levels of redundancy and backup systems. They undergo extensive testing and certification by regulatory authorities before being approved for operational use. The flight crew receives specific training and recurrent proficiency checks to operate and monitor autoland systems effectively.