Which statement correctly lists the autopilot minimum altitudes for en route or descent, approach, and takeoff, climb and missed approach?

Which statement correctly lists the autopilot minimum altitudes for en route or descent, approach, and takeoff, climb and missed approach?

• A. En route or descent 1,000'; Approach 100'; Takeoff, Climb, and Missed Approach 400'
• B. En route or descent 1,100'; Approach 160'; Takeoff, Climb, and Missed Approach 400'
• C. En route or descent 1,000'; Approach 160'; Takeoff, Climb, and Missed Approach 400'
• D. En route or descent 1,000'; Approach 170'; Takeoff, Climb, and Missed Approach 400'

Answer: (C)

Autopilot minimum altitudes are set by flight phase to balance control and safety. The standard values are 1,000 ft above the ground for en route or descent, 160 ft for an approach, and 400 ft for takeoff, climb, and missed approach. This means you can rely on the autopilot to manage altitude down to 1,000 ft during cruise or descent, down to about 160 ft on an instrument approach to let the system follow the glide path and localizer/VOR guidance, and you should not expect autopilot to carry you below 400 ft during takeoff, initial climb, or a missed approach so the pilots can verify configuration and respond if something unusual occurs. The chosen set reflects these phase-specific minima, whereas the other options mix in altitudes that don’t align with how autopilot engagement is typically restricted during those phases.

Autopilot minimum altitudes are set by flight phase to balance control and safety. The standard values are 1,000 ft above the ground for en route or descent, 160 ft for an approach, and 400 ft for takeoff, climb, and missed approach. This means you can rely on the autopilot to manage altitude down to 1,000 ft during cruise or descent, down to about 160 ft on an instrument approach to let the system follow the glide path and localizer/VOR guidance, and you should not expect autopilot to carry you below 400 ft during takeoff, initial climb, or a missed approach so the pilots can verify configuration and respond if something unusual occurs. The chosen set reflects these phase-specific minima, whereas the other options mix in altitudes that don’t align with how autopilot engagement is typically restricted during those phases.