What is the primary use of autopilot during flight?

The primary use of autopilot during flight is to assist in altitude, heading, and speed control. This functionality allows pilots to maintain precise flight parameters with less manual intervention, contributing to improved efficiency and reduced pilot workload during long flights or when flying under stable conditions. Autopilot systems can automatically adjust the aircraft's control surfaces to maintain the desired flight profile, ensuring a smooth and stable flight path.

Other functions mentioned, such as controlling the landing gear, monitoring fuel levels, and managing passenger communications, are typically handled manually or through separate systems. While the autopilot does primarily focus on flight path management, it does not control systems unrelated to flight dynamics, thereby prioritizing altitude, heading, and speed adjustments to enhance overall operational safety and performance.