Definition
An operating condition of a flight management system (FMS) or GPS navigator in which automatic sequencing to the next waypoint is paused. The unit continues to provide guidance to the active waypoint or leg but will not advance the flight plan when that waypoint is crossed, allowing the pilot to hold, fly a procedure turn, or perform a missed approach without losing the active leg.
Plain English
A setting on the GPS or flight computer that tells it to stop moving on to the next point in the flight plan. It keeps you on the current leg until you tell it to continue.
Context Anchor
Seen on panel navigators during instrument approaches, holding, and other times when automatic movement to the next navigation point is intentionally paused.
Derivation
From Latin suspendere, 'to hang up' or 'to hold in place.' In the navigator, the automatic sequencing of waypoints is 'held' rather than ended — it resumes when the pilot releases it.
Why Pilots Care
If the GPS auto-sequences when it shouldn't (such as during a hold or missed approach), guidance can jump ahead and put the aircraft off the intended track. Knowing when the unit enters and exits Suspend Mode is essential for flying GPS approaches and holds correctly.
Intuition Check
Do not read “suspend” as “shut down.” In Suspend Mode, the navigator is still working, but automatic movement to the next route segment is paused.
Example Sentence 1
When the GPS entered the holding pattern, it automatically went into Suspend Mode so it wouldn't sequence past the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
After the controller issued a vector, the pilot canceled suspend mode to resume the arrival.