A/P engagement for Precision Approach with a +4.0 degree glidepath angle is:

A/P engagement for Precision Approach with a +4.0 degree glidepath angle is:

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

Answer: (A)

Engaging the autopilot on a precision approach is limited to glidepaths within the aircraft’s certified and SOP-approved envelope. A glidepath of +4.0 degrees is steeper than standard precision approaches and falls outside that envelope, so the autopilot would not be approved to couple to or track such a path. Because the vertical path is nonstandard, relying on the autopilot could push the aircraft into unsafe pitch, energy, or stall margins near minimums, and crews are trained to hand-fly or use approved procedures for these steeper approaches. In other words, the system and procedures require manual control for a +4.0 degree glidepath, making autopilot engagement prohibited.

Engaging the autopilot on a precision approach is limited to glidepaths within the aircraft’s certified and SOP-approved envelope. A glidepath of +4.0 degrees is steeper than standard precision approaches and falls outside that envelope, so the autopilot would not be approved to couple to or track such a path. Because the vertical path is nonstandard, relying on the autopilot could push the aircraft into unsafe pitch, energy, or stall margins near minimums, and crews are trained to hand-fly or use approved procedures for these steeper approaches. In other words, the system and procedures require manual control for a +4.0 degree glidepath, making autopilot engagement prohibited.