On a straight-in approach, the transition to Nav mode after TOGA is almost immediate; on a circling approach, what happens?

• A. It stays in ROL mode.
• B. It immediately switches to NAV mode.
• C. It switches to HDG mode.
• D. NAV mode is disabled.

Answer: (A)

The test is looking at how the autopilot mode logic differs between straight-in and circling approaches. After TOGA, straight-in releases go-to-navigation guidance quickly, so the autopilot can capture the published approach course and place you into NAV mode almost immediately.

For a circling approach, the automation intentionally doesn’t auto-switch to NAV. It stays in roll control (ROL mode), meaning the autopilot continues to manage roll/attitude rather than tracking a nav course. Circling is a visually flown maneuver with more manual handling, so the system keeps you in ROL to avoid unexpected course changes while you maneuver to align with the runway. NAV mode can be engaged later once you’re properly stabilized on the intended final segment or cleared for the approach track.