For a Precision Approach with glidepath angle less than 3.5 degrees, A/P engagement occurs at which altitude?

For a Precision Approach with glidepath angle less than 3.5 degrees, A/P engagement occurs at which altitude?

• A. 80 Feet AGL
• B. 400 Feet AGL
• C. 120 Feet AGL
• D. 600 Feet AGL

Answer: (A)

When a precision approach uses a relatively shallow glidepath (less than 3.5 degrees), the autopilot can be coupled later in the final sequence and still capture and follow the glidepath reliably. The guideline assigns a very low autopilot engagement altitude—about 80 feet AGL—so the system can take control right as you near the runway and maintain the vertical path through the last moments of the approach. Engaging at such a low height helps ensure a smooth capture without overshooting or abrupt pitch changes, given the gentle descent angle. If the glidepath were steeper, the system would typically require engagement earlier to have enough time to establish and track the path safely, which is why higher engagement altitudes are associated with steeper approaches.

When a precision approach uses a relatively shallow glidepath (less than 3.5 degrees), the autopilot can be coupled later in the final sequence and still capture and follow the glidepath reliably. The guideline assigns a very low autopilot engagement altitude—about 80 feet AGL—so the system can take control right as you near the runway and maintain the vertical path through the last moments of the approach. Engaging at such a low height helps ensure a smooth capture without overshooting or abrupt pitch changes, given the gentle descent angle. If the glidepath were steeper, the system would typically require engagement earlier to have enough time to establish and track the path safely, which is why higher engagement altitudes are associated with steeper approaches.