An autopilot in newer light GA aircraft, like Bendix/King KAP-140, is able to hold/climb/descend to an altitude, and maintain heading based on the GPS input, so

An autopilot in newer light GA aircraft, like Bendix/King KAP-140, is able to hold/climb/descend to an altitude, and maintain heading based on the GPS input, so it does handle hands-on flight operations leaving the pilot to maintain awareness and program the GPS.