Explain the function of flight director modes in an autopilot system, such as wings-level vs altitude hold.

Explain the function of flight director modes in an autopilot system, such as wings-level vs altitude hold.

• A. Flight director only displays attitude; autopilot is separate
• B. Flight director generates commanded attitude or flight path; autopilot executes; modes control hold or track
• C. Flight director controls engine thrust
• D. Flight director provides weather avoidance guidance

Answer: (B)

Flight director modes generate the commanded attitude or flight path that the autopilot should follow. It provides guidance cues—the target bank and pitch or a specific flight path—to steer toward the desired outcome, and the autopilot then executes those commands by moving the control surfaces. Wings-level is a lateral mode that drives the roll command to zero, keeping the wings level, while altitude hold is a vertical mode that maintains the set altitude by commanding pitch as needed. In short, the flight director specifies the target, and the autopilot performs the actions to reach and hold it. It doesn’t control engine thrust and it doesn’t provide weather avoidance guidance.

Flight director modes generate the commanded attitude or flight path that the autopilot should follow. It provides guidance cues—the target bank and pitch or a specific flight path—to steer toward the desired outcome, and the autopilot then executes those commands by moving the control surfaces. Wings-level is a lateral mode that drives the roll command to zero, keeping the wings level, while altitude hold is a vertical mode that maintains the set altitude by commanding pitch as needed. In short, the flight director specifies the target, and the autopilot performs the actions to reach and hold it. It doesn’t control engine thrust and it doesn’t provide weather avoidance guidance.