For precision approaches, what automation level is recommended?

For precision approaches, what automation level is recommended?

• A. Use all the automation until configured for landing.
• B. Fly manually during the approach.
• C. Use automation only for flight director guidance.
• D. Disable automation on final approach.

Answer: (A)

Automation provides precise, consistent tracking of the published glide path and localizer on a precision approach, while also managing airspeed with autothrottle. Keeping the autopilot and autothrottle engaged through the approach until the aircraft is fully configured for landing minimizes deviation and workload, helping the plane stay exactly on the intended path right down to the landing configuration. Manually flying the approach raises the chance of drift and errors, since matching the precision of automatic guidance is more demanding. Using automation only for flight director guidance reduces the level of automated path control, and disabling automation on final approach removes the safety net of continuous guidance during a critical phase. So, the best practice is to use all automation until the aircraft is configured for landing.

Automation provides precise, consistent tracking of the published glide path and localizer on a precision approach, while also managing airspeed with autothrottle. Keeping the autopilot and autothrottle engaged through the approach until the aircraft is fully configured for landing minimizes deviation and workload, helping the plane stay exactly on the intended path right down to the landing configuration. Manually flying the approach raises the chance of drift and errors, since matching the precision of automatic guidance is more demanding. Using automation only for flight director guidance reduces the level of automated path control, and disabling automation on final approach removes the safety net of continuous guidance during a critical phase. So, the best practice is to use all automation until the aircraft is configured for landing.