What is approach mode on autopilot?
Aircraft may be fitted with the Approach (APPR) mode which allows the autopilot to intercept an ILS and perform an automatic landing if it is kept engaged until touchdown. Before engaging the APPR mode, make sure to check that the ILS has been tuned and displayed. Airplanes can only perform an automatic landing using autopilot at airports equipped with a certified and calibrated ILS. Here’s how it works. An ILS is a ground-based navigation aid made up of two elements. These combined provide lateral and vertical guidance to the aircraft down to touchdown.To fly an ILS, you first align your aircraft with the runway, using the localizer as guidance. This is typically done by radar vectors from ATC, or with a procedure turn. You then fly toward the runway and intercept the glideslope from underneath, so you don’t intercept a false glideslope.