Refer to figures.
EASA learning objective 022.06.02.01.12 states: 'Define the control wheel steering (CWS) mode as manual manoeuvring of the aircraft through the autopilot computer and autopilot servos/actuators using the control column/control wheel.'
EASA learning objective 022.06.02.01.13 states: 'Describe the following elements of CWS: CWS as an autopilot mode; flight phases where CWS cannot be used; whether the pilot or the autopilot is controlling the flight path; the availability of flight path/performance protections; potential different feel and control response compared to manual flight.'

Control Wheel Steering (CWS) is an autopilot mode which allows pilots to manouevre the aircraft, via the autopilot actuators and servos, using the control column (control wheel) rather than using the lateral and vertical guidance modes on the mode control panel (MCP). CWS is a Boeing 737 system but can also be found on similar aircraft with conventional flying controls.

CWS can be engaged in both pitch (P) and roll (R) by selecting the CWS button on the MCP or selectively in either pitch or roll by moving the contol column while the autopilot is engaged. The CWS modes are displayed in yellow in the FMA on the PFD.

When CWS P and CWS R modes are engaged the autopilot will simply maintain the current aircraft attitude, any lateral or vertical guidance modes selected on the MCP will be ignored but will still be displayed on the flight director. To manoeuvre the aircraft in pitch and roll the pilots use control column inputs proportional to those used in manual flight and autopilot control is temporarily bypassed. As soon as control column pressure is released the autopilot will maintain the selected attitude, therefore the feel and control response will be different to manual flight. Excessive control inputs should be avoided as this could overide the autopilot servos and cause the autopilot to disconnect.

The use of CWS can be advantageous in turbulent conditions and can be useful at other stages of flight, in some ways it's similar to fly by wire aircraft where the aircraft will maintain the attitude when you let go of the stick.

There are some flight phases where CWS can't be used:

• Below 150 ft RA with the landing gear down

• Below 400 ft.

• After VOR capture with TAS 250 kt or less.

• After LOC capture in the APP mode.

Note: There may be two versions of this question each having different wording in the last statement. If the sentence says 'Inputs in this mode must' then 'be proportional to those used in manual flight' is correct. If however, the sentence says ''Inputs in this mode must not' then 'Overcome those of the AP' is correct because applying too much pressure will cause the autopilot to disconnect.