That Computer In The Cockpit

The airplane's complex computer matrix tells your plane how to fly, including navigation, altitude, speed, and engine thrust, which controls the force by which the plane moves through the air. When these systems are engaged—after a human enters the flight destination information, autopilot culls data about the flight route, location, and navigation—the navigation harnesses the same GPS technology that’s on your cell phone and spits out an optimized flight plan. This allows the pilot to remain hands-free for the duration of the flight.