As the aviation sector has developed as has the technology used to conduct flight operations. With this development, the utilisation of automated systems in the flight deck has increased inline. Automated aircraft systems now play an integral role in the safe conduct of the majority of commercial flights and as such have caused debate in various areas of human factors. However, there is an evident knowledge gap within the industry in regards to this topic. The research fulfils two purposes. The first; to broaden understanding of the historical evolution of automated aircraft systems and to understand to what extent these systems are used in contemporary flight operations. The second purpose is; to further enhance understanding of how automated systems have impacted upon the cockpit operations of commercial pilots and perceive what their views on automated systems are. The rationale is to assist in bridging the knowledge gap and supplement contemporary understanding of flight crew perceptions of automation. This research would be of particular interest to professionals involved in human factors research as well as those associated with flight operation roles.