For a Precision Approach between +3.5 and 4.0 degree glidepath angle, A/P engagement at 120 feet AGL is allowed only if the airport elevation is at or below how many feet?

For a Precision Approach between +3.5 and 4.0 degree glidepath angle, A/P engagement at 120 feet AGL is allowed only if the airport elevation is at or below how many feet?

• A. 4,000 Feet
• B. 3,000 Feet
• C. 5,000 Feet
• D. 6,000 Feet

Answer: (A)

On a precision approach with a glidepath between 3.5° and 4.0°, engaging the autopilot down to 120 feet AGL is allowed only when the airport elevation is 4,000 feet or lower. This limit ensures there’s sufficient terrain and obstacle clearance margin and provides a safe path to manually control or visually continue the approach if needed near the runway. If the airport elevation exceeds 4,000 feet, the autopilot should not be engaged as low as 120 feet AGL on these steeper approaches, requiring the crew to delay engagement or fly the final segment manually from a higher altitude.

On a precision approach with a glidepath between 3.5° and 4.0°, engaging the autopilot down to 120 feet AGL is allowed only when the airport elevation is 4,000 feet or lower. This limit ensures there’s sufficient terrain and obstacle clearance margin and provides a safe path to manually control or visually continue the approach if needed near the runway. If the airport elevation exceeds 4,000 feet, the autopilot should not be engaged as low as 120 feet AGL on these steeper approaches, requiring the crew to delay engagement or fly the final segment manually from a higher altitude.