Which FMA mode will be blank unless LNAV was armed at the gate?

Prepare for the Delta 737 PA-LOD Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations, ensuring you're ready for exam day!

Multiple Choice

Which FMA mode will be blank unless LNAV was armed at the gate?

The Flight Mode Annunciator shows lateral guidance through the roll channel, which only becomes active when a lateral navigation mode is engaged. If LNAV isn’t armed at the gate, there’s no lateral path for the autopilot to follow, so the roll guidance isn’t commanded and the roll mode display stays blank. Once LNAV is armed, the aircraft has a lateral reference and the roll mode is populated with the lateral guidance (LNAV). The other options don’t explain why the roll field would be blank: autothrottle mode relates to throttle, not lateral roll guidance; pitch mode deals with vertical guidance; and AFDS status is a general system status, not a lateral-mode indication.

The Flight Mode Annunciator shows lateral guidance through the roll channel, which only becomes active when a lateral navigation mode is engaged. If LNAV isn’t armed at the gate, there’s no lateral path for the autopilot to follow, so the roll guidance isn’t commanded and the roll mode display stays blank. Once LNAV is armed, the aircraft has a lateral reference and the roll mode is populated with the lateral guidance (LNAV). The other options don’t explain why the roll field would be blank: autothrottle mode relates to throttle, not lateral roll guidance; pitch mode deals with vertical guidance; and AFDS status is a general system status, not a lateral-mode indication.

More practice questions