When automation is not maintaining the intended flight path, what should pilots do?

• A. Continue following the automation and adjust.
• B. Disconnect it and fly the airplane.
• C. Increase automation to try again.
• D. Contact ATC for a new clearance.

Answer: (B)

When automation stops maintaining the intended flight path, take manual control of the aircraft. Disconnect the autopilot (and any active flight director if needed) and fly the airplane to reestablish a stable flight path. This removes reliance on guidance that may be incorrect due to a fault or sensor disagreement, and allows you to directly manage attitude, power, and configuration to regain the desired profile. While manually flying, verify the aircraft’s attitude, altitude, airspeed, and navigation updates with the cockpit instruments, and be prepared to re-engage automation once you’re stable if that’s appropriate for the situation.

Sticking with the automation to “adjust” simply continues to follow guidance that isn’t working, which can let the problem persist. Increasing automation to try again doesn’t address the fault and can complicate control. Asking ATC for a new clearance doesn’t fix a potential automation or sensor issue and adds workload without solving the immediate flight-control problem.