Definition
An autopilot function that automatically levels the aircraft at a pre-selected altitude. As the aircraft approaches the target altitude entered into the altitude preselector, the autopilot smoothly reduces the rate of climb or descent and transitions the aircraft into level flight at exactly that altitude.
Plain English
The autopilot watches for the altitude you told it to fly to, then takes over and levels the airplane off at that altitude on its own.
Context Anchor
Seen during climbs and descents when using aircraft automation to level at an assigned or selected altitude.
Derivation
‘Capture’ here comes from the everyday sense of catching or seizing something. The autopilot ‘captures’ the chosen altitude — it grabs hold of it and holds the aircraft there.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures precise altitude compliance and prevents overshoots that could violate ATC clearances or cause traffic conflicts.
Intuition Check
Capture does not mean the airplane is already level at the altitude. It means the automation is transitioning from climbing or descending to leveling off and holding the selected altitude.
Example Sentence 1
After dialing 8,000 feet into the altitude preselector, the pilot watched the autopilot perform altitude capture and smoothly level the aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot confirmed altitude capture on the annunciator before resuming other cockpit tasks.