What mode is engaged when the altitude selector knob is pressed?

What mode is engaged when the altitude selector knob is pressed?

• A. Managed vertical mode
• B. Altitude hold
• C. Vertical speed
• D. Pitch hold

Answer: (A)

Pressing the altitude selector knob tells the system to take over vertical guidance from the Flight Management and Guidance System and to follow the programmed vertical profile. This switches the autopilot into managed vertical mode, where the aircraft will capture the preselected altitude and then climb or descend along the flight plan rather than holding current altitude or being driven by a fixed rate. In contrast, altitude hold would simply maintain the current altitude, and vertical speed would command a constant rate without following the flight plan. Pitch hold isn’t how the FCU altitude control operates.

Pressing the altitude selector knob tells the system to take over vertical guidance from the Flight Management and Guidance System and to follow the programmed vertical profile. This switches the autopilot into managed vertical mode, where the aircraft will capture the preselected altitude and then climb or descend along the flight plan rather than holding current altitude or being driven by a fixed rate. In contrast, altitude hold would simply maintain the current altitude, and vertical speed would command a constant rate without following the flight plan. Pitch hold isn’t how the FCU altitude control operates.