Autonomous Approach and Landing Capability refers to the ability of an aircraft to perform an approach and landing maneuver without direct input from a human pilot. This capability is typically enabled through advanced avionics, autopilot systems, and sensor technologies that allow the aircraft to navigate, descend, align with the runway, and land safely under predefined conditions.

This functionality is often part of a broader autonomous flight system or automatic flight control system (AFCS) , and it may integrate data from sources such as:

• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)
• Microwave Landing Systems (MLS)
• GPS and GNSS
• Inertial Reference Units (IRUs)
• Radar altimeters
• Onboard computers and flight management systems (FMS)

Key Features

• Precision Approach Guidance: Maintains the correct glide path and heading.
• Auto-throttle Integration: Automatically manages engine power during descent and landing.
• Flare and Touchdown Control: Manages the final phase of landing for a smooth touchdown.
• Go-Around Automation: Initiates a go-around if certain parameters (e.g., altitude, speed) are not met.

Autonomous landing systems are commonly used in commercial aviation, military aircraft, and increasingly in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. They are especially valuable in low-visibility conditions (such as fog or heavy rain) where manual landing would be difficult or unsafe.

Regulatory standards, such as those defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), classify levels of automation in approaches and landings—ranging from Category I (limited automation with pilot oversight) to Category III (fully autonomous landings under zero visibility conditions).

These systems enhance safety, reduce pilot workload, and support operations at airports with challenging environmental or traffic conditions.