What is the preferred time to disengage the autopilot when performing an ILS landing?

33 minutes ago, solwell1 said:

What is the preferred time to disengage the autopilot when performing an ILS landing?

Our company mandates no later than 50’ AGL but there’s nothing to say you can’t hand fly the entire approach.

I usually wait until about 50-100' above ground level but wind and other weather factors may dictate an earlier release. I've seen some videos on YouTube where the pilot allows the plane to touchdown before disengaging. I don't think there is a steadfast rule. I don't know if there are guidelines and especially in real life.

3 minutes ago, Boeing_Driver said:

Our company mandates no later than 50’ AGL but there’s nothing to say you can’t hand fly the entire approach.

Well, there you go. I was typing my earlier reply when you posted this.

Whenever you like really. I usually go for it when the aircraft is fully established and stable with full flap, and I have a clear view of the runway. Can be anywhere from a couple of hundred feet up to about a thousand.

2 hours ago, solwell1 said:

What is the preferred time to disengage the autopilot when performing an ILS landing?

At 1000' with all the Flaps you're putting down and Gear Down and you're approx + 10/ 15 above VAP and when you're stabilised in that Config. I mean Rock Solid at that Speed and that V/Speed. 

And the Runway's coming towards you but it ain't getting any longer and it isn't getting any wider it's just getting bigger!

Don't take any notice of anything anyone else says on this thread to the contrary.

They're making it up. If you have a hunch that things are not right at 1000' and at Vapp then take a moment (Once you're established on the ILS) to dial in your Go Around Altitudes and HDG in to the MCP. Double check them by pointing them out to your Co-Pilot. Get him/ Her to confirm they're set. Then you're good. It's just you on the Yoke and Throttles. (Doesn't get any simpler than that)

Then, just fly that in the Config - fly the aircraft - at that speed . . .down to the lights - two red, two white and plonk it with reasonable force on to the tarmac.

Then hit your Reversers.

Then you're home.

Now, leave that Magenta Line where it belongs - in the realms of theory;

Now watch this; and change the way you fly forever. . .

x

 

 

Edited February 1, 20215 yr by Will Fly For Cheese

Plays back to the video above... turning off AP at 50 feet gives you no stick time in prep for landing. I like to disconnect latest around 500-1000 ft if visual to get a feel for the stick and aircraft again in prep for landing. You need to be ‘connected’ to the aircraft before its time to start the flare.

You all should learn to simulate a complete trip without the AP.

when you can do it, then you never warnt to use the AP.

I usually do it around 200 ft

I was expecting the "manly man never use autopilot" comments much early on here, i am surprised!

10 minutes ago, Pastaiolo said:

I was expecting the "manly man never use autopilot" comments much early on here, i am surprised!

Yes, man! Thats it. We have an SIMULATOR that make it possible to do what we without not can do > Flying
You should Fly the plane, not see how the computer will fly your plane. A real Pilot can ALWAYS in every situation fly manual his plane.
The sim is great to learn this. You want to "feel" like an pilot, then rock this plane without AP. When you feel like a kid in the kindergarden, then use
AP - specialiy in the GA Planes.
 

Edited February 2, 20215 yr by Alti

Stop thinking of the AP as something that can fly the plane when you've got it in to trouble. It certainly won't get you out of it.

The AP will kill you if you ask it to do something that you can't.

Edited February 2, 20215 yr by Will Fly For Cheese

Thanks for the replies.  Actually, I was curious as to what real world pilots do, specific to airliners.

Wow! Now let me say I fly strictly GA  in these sims.  Once held multi and instrument ratings.  Was trained when in the military.  If I have the field I am off of autopilot unless there are mitigating circumstances. Those who fly or have, will understand the term "have the field".  I cannot imagine a CFI who.......

I thought I read somewhere that a lot of airline pilots will disconnect when the radio altimeter comes alive, so roughly 2500’?  I’m guessing this varies somewhat depending on approach type too? 

For GA I hand fly after turning final at the latest, often I hand fly the whole circuit though.  Airliners I’m guilty of waiting until much later.

Interesting conversation, I’ll be curious to see if my airliner practices are bad habits or somewhat in line with reality.