CAT II/III autoland capability on the A321 is available under which conditions?

• A. It is available regardless of equipment and weather
• B. It depends on compatible equipment, favorable weather, and operator procedures
• C. It requires no pilot training
• D. It is strictly prohibited on all operations

Answer: (B)

CAT II/III autoland on the A321 only works when three things line up: the airplane is equipped with the compatible autoland-capable flight control system and autopilot setup, the weather meets CAT II/III minima (enough ceiling and visibility or RVR for an autoland), and the operator has approved procedures and trained crews to execute the autoland.

Without the right hardware, the system won’t engage. Without favorable weather, the cockpit crew cannot use the CAT II/III approach and landing minima. And without documented procedures and training, the crew wouldn’t perform the autoland correctly or safely. This is why the statement that autoland is available regardless of equipment and weather, or that no training is required, or that it’s prohibited, aren’t accurate.