To conserve battery power, which of the following should you do?

To conserve battery power, it is essential to turn off all nonessential electronics. This practice minimizes the drain on the aircraft's electrical system, allowing critical systems to have sufficient power without overloading the battery. Nonessential devices can include items like cabin lights, radios, and other equipment that aren't crucial for immediate flight operations.

Managing electrical load is particularly important during situations where you may experience a power shortage, such as during engine failure or if operating with limited battery capability. By ensuring that only necessary systems remain powered, you can maintain control and functionality where it counts, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

In contrast, having all electronics turned on increases the power consumption significantly, which can lead to a quicker depletion of battery life. Using landing lights during situations where they are not needed also unnecessarily increases the load on the electrical system. Autopilot may help reduce pilot workload but does not inherently conserve battery power, as it still requires electrical energy to operate. Therefore, focusing on powering down nonessential devices is the most effective strategy for conserving battery power during flight.