During Atlas Air 3591, what should the crew have done when automation changed modes?

• A. Recognize the mode change, disconnect/override automation, and fly the aircraft
• B. Ignore the mode change
• C. Arm autopilot more tightly
• D. Reduce airspeed

Answer: (A)

When automation changes modes, the pilots must quickly assess what the new mode is doing and be prepared to take manual control if the change could compromise safety. In Atlas Air 3591, a mode transition could lead to unexpected autopilot/autothrottle behavior, so the proper action is to recognize the change, disconnect or override the automation as needed, and fly the aircraft manually to maintain safe attitude and airspeed. This keeps the flight path under direct control and allows the crew to establish and maintain a stabilized approach or flight condition, rather than relying on automation that may be behaving unpredictably. Ignoring the change, adding more automation, or merely trying to reduce airspeed without regaining manual control does not address the underlying risk and can worsen the situation.