While the FD format is set to either single or dual cue, upon FD activation (e.g., the FD Key is pressed; refer to Activating the Flight Director in this chapter for more information), Pitch Hold Mode is selected by default. This mode is annunciated as ‘PIT’ in the AFCS Status Box.

In PIT Mode, the flight director maintains a constant pitch attitude, called the Pitch Reference. The Pitch Reference is set to the aircraft pitch attitude at the moment of mode selection. If the aircraft pitch attitude exceeds the flight director pitch command limitations, the flight director commands a pitch angle equal to the nose-up/down limit.

PIT Mode may be used to climb or descend to the Selected Altitude (shown above the Altimeter). Selected Altitude Capture Mode (ALTS) is automatically armed when PIT Mode is activated, provided the pilot has set a Selected Altitude.

When PIT Mode is used in conjunction with Vertical Navigation, VNAV Target Altitude Capture Mode (ALTV) is also enabled (refer to Vertical Navigation Modes later in the Combination Modes section for more information).