Which autopilot minimum altitude is the lowest among en route, approach, and takeoff?

Which autopilot minimum altitude is the lowest among en route, approach, and takeoff?

• A. En route or descent: 1,000'
• B. Takeoff, Climb, and Missed Approach: 400'
• C. Approach: 160'
• D. All are higher than 300'

Answer: (C)

Autopilot minimum altitude refers to the lowest height above the surface that the autopilot is allowed to control the aircraft during a given phase of flight. Each phase has its own safety considerations: en route or descent requires a higher buffer to ensure terrain and obstacle clearance over long legs, typically around 1,000 feet AGL. Takeoff, climb, and missed approach demand a higher altitude as well to safely perform climbs and any potential missed approach maneuvers, usually around 400 feet AGL. On approach, the aircraft is prepared for landing and can descend closer to the runway with a stabilized vertical profile, allowing the autopilot to operate down to a lower altitude such as 160 feet AGL. Therefore, the lowest autopilot minimum altitude among en route, approach, and takeoff is the approach minimum of 160 feet.

Autopilot minimum altitude refers to the lowest height above the surface that the autopilot is allowed to control the aircraft during a given phase of flight. Each phase has its own safety considerations: en route or descent requires a higher buffer to ensure terrain and obstacle clearance over long legs, typically around 1,000 feet AGL. Takeoff, climb, and missed approach demand a higher altitude as well to safely perform climbs and any potential missed approach maneuvers, usually around 400 feet AGL. On approach, the aircraft is prepared for landing and can descend closer to the runway with a stabilized vertical profile, allowing the autopilot to operate down to a lower altitude such as 160 feet AGL. Therefore, the lowest autopilot minimum altitude among en route, approach, and takeoff is the approach minimum of 160 feet.