I'm not sure if this is what you're asking for, but here's what I do with autopilot.

I open the tactical display and set it to around a two mile radius. While using auto pilot and time compression I monitor the tactical display. As soon as any enemy planes appear (in red) I immediately terminate time compression, auto pilot, and the tactical display.


There's also a workshop setting that you might like. Set "target range" to always closest instead of historical and you'll not be travelling as far.

Last edited by hoongadoonga; 01/19/21 01:41 AM.