Definition
A flight management system function that computes and flies a vertical flight path automatically, using altitude and speed constraints programmed into the route, so the aircraft climbs, descends, and levels off at the correct points without the pilot manually selecting each altitude change.
Plain English
The aircraft's computer flies the up-and-down part of the route on its own, hitting each required altitude at the right place, instead of the pilot dialing in every climb and descent by hand.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument departure planning, especially when a published departure procedure includes altitude requirements that the aircraft must meet after takeoff.
Derivation
Automated comes from a Greek root meaning “self-acting.” Vertical refers to up-and-down movement, and navigation means finding and following a path. Together, the phrase points to a system that helps manage the aircraft’s height along its route.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload and helps maintain compliance with published altitude restrictions on procedures.
Grounding Statement
On a departure, the system may guide the aircraft to climb early enough to cross a fix at or above the required altitude.
Intuition Check
Automated does not mean “the airplane has full responsibility.” It means the system can help calculate and guide the vertical path, but the pilot must still verify and monitor it.
Example Sentence 1
With automated vertical navigation engaged, the aircraft began its descent at the calculated point to meet the crossing restriction at WAYPT.
Example Sentence 2
During the arrival, automated vertical navigation allowed the crew to focus on other tasks while the system handled the descent profile.