Definition
An instrument approach in which the autopilot system flies the aircraft down the final approach path, executes the flare, and lands the aircraft on the runway without manual control inputs from the pilot. Autoland operations are typically conducted in low-visibility conditions and require certified airborne equipment, a suitably equipped runway with a precision instrument landing system (such as ILS Category II or III), and trained crews authorized for the operation.
Plain English
An approach and landing where the autopilot does the flying all the way down to touchdown, instead of the pilot hand-flying the final part. It is used mainly when visibility is too poor for the pilot to land safely by eye.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in instrument approach, low-visibility landing, and air traffic control discussions involving aircraft capable of automatic landing.
Derivation
Autoland' is a straightforward combination of 'automatic' and 'land.' Knowing this helps reinforce that the system is doing the landing automatically, not just guiding the pilot to it.
Why Pilots Care
Enables safe landings when weather prevents a normal visual or manual approach, lowering the chance of runway misalignment or controlled flight into terrain.
Intuition Check
Autoland does not mean the pilots are no longer flying the airplane. It means the approved automatic system is controlling the landing while the pilots supervise and stay ready to act.
Example Sentence 1
With the visibility down to 600 feet RVR, the crew briefed and flew an autoland approach into runway 27L.
Example Sentence 2
During the autoland approach the autopilot kept the airplane aligned with the runway centerline until touchdown.