For precision approaches, which statement is true about automation?

For precision approaches, which statement is true about automation?

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

Answer: (A)

Precision approaches rely on both accurate lateral and vertical guidance, and automation is what consistently provides that path with the least drift and lowest workload. Using the automation throughout the approach until you’re configured for landing keeps the aircraft on the precise localizer and glide slope, delivering a stable, controlled descent all the way to the point where landing configuration (gear, flaps, speed) is set. This maximizes guidance accuracy right up to the final phase, after which you can disengage or continue with autoland if available and appropriate. Manually flying the approach would reduce the precision and add workload, disabling automation on final approach defeats the purpose of the precise guidance, and using automation only for vertical guidance ignores the essential lateral guidance provided by the localizer.

Precision approaches rely on both accurate lateral and vertical guidance, and automation is what consistently provides that path with the least drift and lowest workload. Using the automation throughout the approach until you’re configured for landing keeps the aircraft on the precise localizer and glide slope, delivering a stable, controlled descent all the way to the point where landing configuration (gear, flaps, speed) is set. This maximizes guidance accuracy right up to the final phase, after which you can disengage or continue with autoland if available and appropriate.

Manually flying the approach would reduce the precision and add workload, disabling automation on final approach defeats the purpose of the precise guidance, and using automation only for vertical guidance ignores the essential lateral guidance provided by the localizer.