Autopilot minimum after takeoff is which of the following?

Autopilot minimum after takeoff is which of the following?

• A. 100' AGL / 5 s after liftoff
• B. 200' AGL / 3 s after liftoff
• C. 50' AGL / 2 s after liftoff
• D. 150' AGL / 4 s after liftoff

Answer: (A)

Autopilot should be allowed to engage only after the aircraft has climbed a bit and the initial transition from takeoff is settled. Requiring 100 feet above ground level and a 5-second pause after liftoff gives two key assurances: the airplane is safely above the runway and close ground effects, and the sensors and flight data have had time to initialize so the autopilot can rely on accurate information. If autopilot were allowed to engage too early, near liftoff, transient motions, gusts, and ground-effect disturbances could cause the autopilot to make abrupt or unwanted control inputs. Waiting a bit longer than necessary would deprive the crew of automation during the early climb without providing meaningful extra safety, so the 100 ft / 5 s rule offers a practical balance.

Autopilot should be allowed to engage only after the aircraft has climbed a bit and the initial transition from takeoff is settled. Requiring 100 feet above ground level and a 5-second pause after liftoff gives two key assurances: the airplane is safely above the runway and close ground effects, and the sensors and flight data have had time to initialize so the autopilot can rely on accurate information. If autopilot were allowed to engage too early, near liftoff, transient motions, gusts, and ground-effect disturbances could cause the autopilot to make abrupt or unwanted control inputs. Waiting a bit longer than necessary would deprive the crew of automation during the early climb without providing meaningful extra safety, so the 100 ft / 5 s rule offers a practical balance.