Autopilot minimum for RNAV visual approach is which altitude?

Autopilot minimum for RNAV visual approach is which altitude?

• A. 700' AGL
• B. 600' AGL
• C. 300' AGL
• D. 500' AGL

Answer: (D)

RNAV visual approaches rely on both instrument guidance and the pilot’s visual reference to the runway. The autopilot minimum altitude is the point where you can still trust the automation to manage the descent while you confirm the runway visually. Setting this to 500 feet AGL gives you a stabilized, automated approach path up to a stage where you have the runway in sight and are ready to hand-fly the final segment and landing if needed. Going below this altitude typically requires transitioning to manual control for the final approach and flare. The other altitudes wouldn’t align with standard practice: higher minimums reduce automation benefits, while a lower minimum would demand manual control sooner, potentially increasing workload too early in the final approach.

RNAV visual approaches rely on both instrument guidance and the pilot’s visual reference to the runway. The autopilot minimum altitude is the point where you can still trust the automation to manage the descent while you confirm the runway visually. Setting this to 500 feet AGL gives you a stabilized, automated approach path up to a stage where you have the runway in sight and are ready to hand-fly the final segment and landing if needed. Going below this altitude typically requires transitioning to manual control for the final approach and flare.

The other altitudes wouldn’t align with standard practice: higher minimums reduce automation benefits, while a lower minimum would demand manual control sooner, potentially increasing workload too early in the final approach.