autoland

Autoland refers to an automated landing capability in which an airliner or other aircraft can perform a safe landing with little or no pilot input under appropriate weather and runway conditions. The system combines the aircraft's flight control computers, navigation receivers, autothrottle, and braking controls to fly the approach, execute the landing, and manage rollout.

Most autoland operations rely on precision guidance provided by the instrument landing system (ILS) or satellite-based augmentation systems such as GLS. When an autoland is engaged, the autopilot and flight director fly the final approach and, in many aircraft, continue control through touchdown and early rollout. The flight crew supervises and can intervene if required.

Autoland requires aircraft with certified CAT III capability, redundant autopilot channels, and compatible ground infrastructure. Modern airliners commonly offer two- or three-channel autoland architectures and integrate autothrottle and autobrake functions to manage speed and deceleration during and after touchdown.

Autoland is widely used for low-visibility landings, especially on large commercial jets. It is not universal; operations must be approved by the operator and the relevant aviation authority, and the runway and ground equipment must support the approach. Some operators also use autoland for crew training and to reduce pilot workload on adverse weather days.

Limitations include dependence on functioning precision guidance and certified runway equipment, weather minima specific to the autoland category, and operational considerations such as crosswind limits and potential conflicts with air traffic control. Autoland does not eliminate the need for pilot readiness to take manual control if the system fails or circumstances change.