Which action is recommended when flight path changes quickly?

• A. Continue with current automation settings.
• B. Increase automation to handle rapid changes.
• C. Ask ATC to modify the clearance.
• D. Drop down a level of automation to reduce workload and regain control.

Answer: (D)

When flight path changes quickly, you need to regain direct control and reduce the risk of the automation fighting the new command. Dropping down a level of automation accomplishes this by moving away from fully managed or autopilot-driven control toward more manual oversight, allowing you to interpret the rapid changes and respond promptly with appropriate pitch, bank, and throttle adjustments. It helps reduce workload, avoids potential mode conflicts, and preserves situational awareness so you can safely execute the deviation or new clearance.

Continuing with current automation can leave you with a slow or conflicting autopilot response to rapid changes. Increasing automation tends to compound complexity and can mask the needed quick intervention. Asking ATC to modify the clearance introduces delay; the crew needs to act now to maintain safe trajectory.