Approach Modes
Do not rely on the autopilot to level the aircraft at the MDA/DH when flying a coupled approach with GP or GS Mode active. The autopilot will not level the aircraft at the MDA/DH even if the MDA/DH is set in the altitude preselect.
The selected navigation receiver must have a valid LOC signal or active GPS course for the flight director to enter Approach Mode.
Pressing the APR Key (GMC) or APR Button (PFW) arms the selected Approach Mode. An armed Approach Mode annunciation appears in white in the AFCS Status Box. Approach Mode will engage/activate when avionics activation criteria are met, dependent on factors such as airspeed, intercept angle, and closure rate. If activation criteria are met upon APR Key (GMC) or APR Button (PFW) press, then Approach Mode will activate immediately.
If any of the following occur, the flight director will revert to Roll Hold Mode (wings rolled level):
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Approach Mode is active and a Vectors-To-Final is activated.
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Approach Mode is active and the navigation source is manually switched.
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A different VOR/LOC is tuned while in LOC Approach Mode (VOR/LOC Mode reverts to armed).
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During a LOC/ILS approach, the FAF is crossed after the automatic navigation source switch from GPS to LOC but while GPS navigation is still active.
- Intercepting and Flying a DME Arc
- Localizer Approach Mode
- Backcourse Approach
- Glideslope Mode (GS)
- VNAV Guidance for Non-Precision Approaches
- GPS Approach Mode
- Glidepath Mode
- Takeoff and Go Around Modes