Use of the autopilot in non-terminal operations below _____ AGL is prohibited.

• A. 500 feet
• B. 1000 feet
• C. 250 feet
• D. 400 feet

Answer: (A)

Autopilot use is restricted at low altitudes during non-terminal flight to ensure the pilot remains actively engaged and ready to respond quickly to any changes or hazards near the ground. At lower heights, the margin for error is small, and immediate manual control may be needed for obstacle avoidance, abnormal situations, or unexpected deviations. Above this limit, autopilot can help reduce workload and improve stability during en route or mission segments.

The specified altitude is 500 feet AGL, which is the threshold that balances safety with efficiency. Below this, manual control is required; above it, autopilot may be used during non-terminal operations. The other numbers do not reflect the documented limit.