I have read several times that the autopilot stays on even after touchdown so as to guide the craft down the centerline,however my autopilot on the MD-11 always disconnects just before touchdown approx 50-100 feet above the runway. Somewhere a long while ago I also read that if this happens something is not correct- I cannot find that reference and do not know what is incorrect- everything seems OK on the surface and all landings end up flawless. So?

Hm, I would try making sure APPR/LAND is armed. Make sure whatever you use to control the aircraft is properly calibrated. Also I would try manually inserting the ILS (if you're using that) on the NAV RADIO page. Other than that I'm out of suggestions. I do hope that helps. Keep the blue side up!

Yes -I do both those things- After re reading the manuals for MANY hours yesterday, I finally came across a paragraph that says for the equipment that certain planes have, this is normal for the AP to disconnect just before touchdown- for OTHER equipment?? it is normal for planes to land with the AP on until you take manual control for a taxi- Guess that answers the question-thanks. All those manuals take DAYS to read and I usually fall asleep doing so-with all the abreviations they usually all just go right over my head. Im one of those people who learn better by DOING with HANDS ON rather than reading.I wish someone would invent a TWO PAGE manual (better yet a One page).

Carolyn, the new aircraft as the old ones need a manual and that s why pilots get a training for each their are qualified for and the training is not made in a snap. so be sure you read the manuals. this is "hardcore" airplane and not that easy to start with.

It is a really tough plane to master. I took me well over a week just to get familiar with the FMC etc. Now I'm able to enter in flight plans manually and I'm also able to autoland now.

Maybe you fly the approach in APPR ONLY mode, this would explain why the A/P automatically disconnects. The question is why the FMS doesn't go to full autoland mode, the're several possibilities and you may find more information by searching this forum.