Which autopilot modes are commonly used from takeoff through approach on the A321?

• A. Takeoff with AP only
• B. Takeoff/TOGA with AP; LNAV; VNAV or ALT HOLD; APP
• C. LNAV and APP only
• D. ALT HOLD throughout

Answer: (B)

On the A321, you typically rely on a coordinated set of autopilot modes that covers the whole sequence from takeoff to approach. Start the takeoff with TOGA thrust while the autopilot is engaged, which gives you the most responsive climb and lets the flight director guide the aircraft. Once you’re climbing, LNAV handles the lateral navigation along the programmed route, while vertical guidance comes from VNAV to manage the climb profile and descent in a controlled, speed- and altitude-aware way. If VNAV isn’t being used for some reason, ALT HOLD can be used to maintain a specified altitude, but VNAV is the standard for a managed flight path. As you near the airport, you switch to APP to capture and follow the instrument approach (ILS or equivalent), often while LNAV continues to steer along the approach course. This combination—TOGA with AP for takeoff, LNAV for lateral guidance, VNAV (or ALT HOLD) for vertical guidance, and APP for the approach—is why that option best fits typical A321 operations from takeoff through approach.