coupled approach

coupled approach

An instrument approach performed by the aircraft autopilot, which is receiving position information and/or steering commands from onboard navigation equipment. In general, coupled non-precision approaches must be discontinued and flown manually at altitudes lower than 50 ft below the minimum descent altitude, and coupled precision approaches must be flown manually below 50 ft AGL (above ground level). Coupled and autoland approaches are flown in VFR (visual flight rules) and IFR (instrument flight rules). It is common for carriers to require their crews to fly coupled approaches and autoland approaches (if certified) when the weather conditions are less than approximately 4000 RVR (runway visual range). See also autoland approach.

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