Definition
A flight director mode that automatically captures and tracks an ILS localizer and glideslope when the aircraft is within range of the signals and properly configured. Once armed, the system transitions from heading and altitude reference to localizer and glideslope tracking without further pilot selection.
Plain English
A setting on the flight director that, once armed, takes over and follows the ILS approach signals down to the runway on its own.
Context Anchor
Seen on flight director or autopilot mode controls during instrument approach setup and tracking.
Derivation
From 'automatic,' meaning the mode handles the capture and tracking steps for the pilot once armed, rather than requiring the pilot to select each phase manually.
Why Pilots Care
It lowers workload and improves precision when flying approaches by hand would be demanding.
Intuition Check
AUTO does not mean “hands-off and stop monitoring.” It means the guidance system can automatically follow the selected approach signals after the pilot has armed and checked it.
Example Sentence 1
After being cleared for the ILS, the pilot selected AUTO Approach so the flight director would capture the localizer and glideslope.
Example Sentence 2
AUTO Approach remained engaged until the aircraft reached the decision altitude.