If the TOD is reached without a lower altitude set in the MCP, what pitch mode does the FMA switch to?

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Multiple Choice

If the TOD is reached without a lower altitude set in the MCP, what pitch mode does the FMA switch to?

When you reach Top of Descent, VNAV needs a lower altitude constraint to descend to. If none is set in the MCP, there is no defined target for the descent, so the system cannot continue guiding a descent. The airplane then switches to an altitude-hold mode, and the FMA displays ALT HOLD. This means the airplane will maintain its current altitude using the pitch/trim control loops until you set a new lower altitude or engage another vertical mode. To resume descent, you’d need to enter a lower altitude in the MCP or select a mode with a defined descent target.

When you reach Top of Descent, VNAV needs a lower altitude constraint to descend to. If none is set in the MCP, there is no defined target for the descent, so the system cannot continue guiding a descent. The airplane then switches to an altitude-hold mode, and the FMA displays ALT HOLD. This means the airplane will maintain its current altitude using the pitch/trim control loops until you set a new lower altitude or engage another vertical mode. To resume descent, you’d need to enter a lower altitude in the MCP or select a mode with a defined descent target.

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