Definition
A cockpit display that shows which operating mode an automated system — typically the autopilot, flight director, or autothrottle — is currently engaged in, and which mode is armed to engage next.
Plain English
A small readout in the cockpit that tells the pilot what the autopilot or flight director is doing right now, and what it is set up to do next.
Context Anchor
Seen on the instrument panel or main flight display when using autopilot, flight guidance, or navigation functions.
Derivation
‘Annunciator’ comes from the Latin annuntiare, meaning ‘to announce.’ A mode annunciator literally announces the mode the system is in.
Why Pilots Care
Quick confirmation of active modes prevents mode confusion that can result in unintended altitude, heading, or flight-path deviations.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the system is doing what you selected a moment ago. The mode annunciator is checked to confirm what the system is actually doing now, or what it is set up to do next.
Example Sentence 1
After engaging the autopilot, the pilot scanned the mode annunciator to confirm it was holding altitude and tracking the selected heading.
Example Sentence 2
After arming approach mode, the mode annunciator showed both APP and GS indications.