Definition
An autopilot mode that automatically maintains the aircraft at a selected pressure altitude by making small pitch adjustments to keep the altimeter reading constant.
Plain English
A button or mode on the autopilot that tells the aircraft to stay at its current altitude. Once engaged, the autopilot will keep the plane level at that altitude without the pilot having to fly it manually.
Context Anchor
Seen on autopilot mode displays and in instrument flying discussions, especially when a pilot is managing workload or checking what the aircraft automation is doing.
Derivation
Altitude comes from the Latin altus, meaning high. Hold means to keep something in place. Together, altitude hold means keeping the aircraft at a chosen height.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload during instrument flight, allowing attention to remain on navigation, communication, and situational awareness while the system maintains the assigned altitude.
Analogy
Similar to cruise control in a car, which holds a steady speed so the driver can focus on other aspects of driving.
Intuition Check
Altitude hold does not mean the aircraft is locked at an exact height or protected from every climb or descent. It means the system is actively trying to maintain a selected altitude within its limits.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off at 8,000 feet, the pilot engaged altitude hold and began reviewing the approach plate.
Example Sentence 2
During the recovery from an unusual attitude, engaging altitude hold helped return the aircraft to level flight at the target altitude.