At what altitude does the T-6 autopilot become available?

The T-6 autopilot becomes available at 500 feet above ground level (AGL). This is significant because it establishes a minimum operational requirement for the use of the autopilot system, ensuring that pilots have reached a sufficient altitude where the aircraft is stable and any initial climb or maneuvering has been successfully completed. Below this altitude, there are greater demands on pilot workload, and the aircraft may be experiencing transitions that can complicate the automation of flight tasks.

Thus, the 500 feet AGL threshold serves as a practical limit that balances safety and operational efficiency, allowing pilots to utilize the autopilot for more effective flight management once they are safely airborne and clear of ground effects that can impact the aircraft's performance.