> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://autopilot-5.gitbook.io/autopilot/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://autopilot-5.gitbook.io/autopilot/getting-started/publish-your-docs.md).

# Protocol Principles

Autopilot is built for veAERO holders seeking maximum yield with minimum effort. This section outlines the system’s core rules, limitations, and technical behavior to ensure fair, transparent, and sec

### Participation Rules

#### **Minimum Deposit**

* **Aerodrome:** Minimum of **400 veAERO** per deposit
* **Velodrome:** Minimum of **12,000 veVELO** per deposit.

#### **Max Lock Applied**

All deposited veTokens (AERO or VELO) are automatically **re-locked to the maximum duration (4 years)**.\
\
This ensures full voting power and maximum reward eligibility throughout the lifecycle of each deposit.

#### **Multiple veToken Positions**

Each wallet can deposit and manage multiple veAERO or veVELO locks within Autopilot.\
Votes and rewards are tracked individually per lock but optimized collectively under the shared strategy engine.

#### **Epoch Commitment**

To receive rewards, your veToken must remain deposited throughout the full epoch — including both the **voting** and **distribution** phases.

***

### **Security Model**

#### **Non-Custodial Design**

All deposits, withdrawals, votes, and claims are executed directly through **on-chain smart contracts**.\
\
Autopilot has **no custody or access** to user funds at any time.

#### **Wallet Responsibility**

Access to Autopilot is entirely tied to your connected wallet.\
If wallet access is lost (private key or seed phrase), funds cannot be recovered.\
The protocol operates without admin keys, recovery options, or custodial functions.

#### **Immutable Logic**

Voting, claiming, and reward distribution logic are fully hardcoded in the contracts.\
No manual override functions exist, and all users are treated equally by protocol logic.

***

### **Deposit & Withdrawal Timing Rules**

#### **Aerodrome**

Deposits and withdrawals are allowed **anytime** except during the special restricted window:

* ❌ 90 minutes before the epoch ends
* ❌ 30 minutes after the new epoch begins\
  ⏳ Total restricted time: **2 hours per epoch**

#### **Velodrome**

Velodrome follows its own protocol timing, with a broader restricted window around epoch transitions:

* ❌ **5 hours before** the epoch ends
* ❌ **8 hours after** the new epoch begins\
  ⏳ Total restricted time: **13 hours per epoch**

The longer window ensures safe execution of **multi-chain swaps and bridging operations** required for cross-network reward settlement on **Optimism** **Superchain.**

***

### **Claiming Rewards**

#### **Automated Collection**

After each epoch flip, Autopilot automatically claims all eligible rewards and swaps them into **USDC**.

#### **Claim Delay Window**

To allow system execution to finalize:

* ❌ Manual claiming is disabled during the first few hours of the distribution phase
* ✅ Once processing completes, rewards appear in the **Claimable** section and can be withdrawn anytime

#### **On-Chain Transparency**

All claim and swap actions are executed **on-chain** and visible through the **Activity Feed**, giving users full transparency for each transaction.

***

### **Strategy & Automation**

#### **Voting Optimization**

Every epoch, Autopilot runs a dynamic strategy model to determine the **highest-performing vote allocations** across Aerodrome and Velodrome pools.\
Voting executes automatically before each protocol’s cutoff time.

#### **Reward Execution**

Autopilot:

* Claims rewards from voted pools
* Swaps earned tokens to USDC via its on-chain router
* Executes all actions automatically within the first blocks of the new epoch

#### **No Manual Input Required**

Users do not need to manage votes, claims, or swaps manually.\
Once deposited, all strategy logic runs automatically, ensuring continuous optimization.

***

### **Epoch Timing Overview**

The flow of a typical epoch in Autopilot:

```
[ Epoch Start ]
     ↓
[ Strategy Optimization ]
     ↓
[ Vote Execution ] (final minutes before cutoff)
     ↓
⛔ Deposits & Withdrawals Disabled (window varies by protocol)
     ↓
[ Epoch Ends ]
     ↓
[ Distribution Phase Begins ]
     ↓
[ Rewards Claimed & Swapped to USDC ]
     ↓
⛔ Claims Disabled During Execution Window
     ↓
[ New Epoch Active ]
```

***

### **Protocol Fees**

Autopilot charges a **5% fee** on the net APR generated by the protocol.\
This supports ongoing operations, maintenance, and development.

#### **How It Works**

* The APR includes: **Fees, Incentives, and Rebase rewards**.
* The 5% fee applies **only** to the Fees and Incentives portion (not rebase).
* Rebases are non-transferable and added automatically to the user’s veToken lock.
* The fee is deducted **after** rewards are claimed and swapped to USDC.
* The remaining balance becomes available in the user’s **Claimable** section.

#### **No Impact On**

* ❌ Deposits or withdrawals
* ❌ Lock duration
* ❌ Principal veAERO or veVELO amount

#### **Example**

If a user has $10,000 in veTokens and earns 50% APR:

* Total weekly rewards: $96.15
* 5% fee: $4.80
* Rebase added automatically to the veNFT

**Result:** The protocol earns less than $5 per $10,000 weekly, while rebase rewards remain untouched.