What mode is engaged when the V/S or FPA knob is pressed?

What mode is engaged when the V/S or FPA knob is pressed?

• A. Level off
• B. Vertical speed hold
• C. Flight path angle hold
• D. Hold at altitude

Answer: (A)

Pushing the V/S knob engages vertical speed mode, where the autopilot/flight director uses a chosen vertical speed to control pitch and drive climb or descent at a fixed rate. Pushing the FPA knob engages flight path angle hold, which keeps the aircraft on a set path angle relative to the horizon by adjusting pitch accordingly. Level off, on the other hand, refers to holding a specific altitude and is achieved with altitude hold or altitude capture, not simply by pressing V/S or FPA. So the modes you actually engage are vertical speed hold with V/S and flight path angle hold with FPA.

Pushing the V/S knob engages vertical speed mode, where the autopilot/flight director uses a chosen vertical speed to control pitch and drive climb or descent at a fixed rate. Pushing the FPA knob engages flight path angle hold, which keeps the aircraft on a set path angle relative to the horizon by adjusting pitch accordingly. Level off, on the other hand, refers to holding a specific altitude and is achieved with altitude hold or altitude capture, not simply by pressing V/S or FPA. So the modes you actually engage are vertical speed hold with V/S and flight path angle hold with FPA.