What are the minimum autopilot altitudes for the Global Express?

• A. LPV: 160 feet
• B. Takeoff: 400 feet
• C. Precision Approach: 50 feet
• D. Non-Precision: 400 feet

Answer: (A)

Minimum autopilot altitude is the lowest height at which the autopilot can remain coupled to fly the published vertical path for a given approach type. On the Global Express, LPV approaches provide vertical guidance that the autopilot can follow down to 160 feet AGL. This lower limit reflects the level of guidance integrity in LPV (APV) paths for this aircraft, allowing the autopilot to remain engaged through the final segment without handing over control too early.

In contrast, true precision approaches (like ILS) can support autopilot engagement down to about 50 feet, which is why that lower figure exists for precision approaches. Non-precision approaches lack vertical guidance, so the autopilot uses a higher minimum (often around 400 feet) to ensure the pilot can safely transition to landing. The takeoff figure isn’t applicable to this terminal-approach context.

So the LPV minimum autopilot altitude of 160 feet is the best fit for that approach type on the Global Express.