Definition
The pilot's process of programming and configuring the aircraft's automated systems — such as the flight management system (FMS), autopilot, flight director, and navigation displays — with the route, approach, frequencies, altitudes, and other data needed for the upcoming phase of flight.
Plain English
Loading the flight's information into the aircraft's computers and getting the autopilot and displays ready before you need them.
Context Anchor
Used during approach planning and the approach briefing, before the aircraft begins or is cleared for the instrument approach.
Derivation
Automation comes from a Greek root meaning “self-acting.” In aviation, it means equipment that can carry out selected guidance or control tasks after the pilot sets it up. Setup means arranging something for use; together, the phrase means arranging the aircraft’s self-acting systems before the approach.
Why Pilots Care
Proper automation setup reduces pilot workload during high-task phases of flight and helps prevent mode errors that can lead to approach deviations or go-arounds.
Grounding Statement
The central idea is simple: make the electronic plan in the airplane match the approach you actually intend to fly.
Intuition Check
Automation setup does not mean the airplane will manage the approach by itself. It means the pilot has correctly set and checked the systems before relying on their guidance.
Example Sentence 1
The crew completed the automation setup for the ILS approach during cruise, loading the approach, briefing the missed approach, and tuning the navigation radios.
Example Sentence 2
In the approach briefing, the crew confirmed the automation setup matched the expected routing and altitudes.