Are you ready to pilot your knowledge to cruising altitude? This free online 777 altitude selector auto challenge is here to put your skills to the test, whether you're studying from a B777 altitude selector guide or gearing up for real-world scenarios. You'll dive into core concepts like Boeing 777 altitude selector setup, master the ins and outs of 777 autopilot altitude control, and even preview 777 TKE exam practice questions. Engage with scenario-based climbs and holding patterns, and brush up on instrument procedures with our altimeter reading quiz . Ready for takeoff? Click on our 777 altitude selector auto quiz now and elevate your expertise!
What does rotating the ALT SEL knob on the 777 Mode Control Panel do?
Adjusts the indicated airspeed bug
Changes the selected heading
Adjusts the vertical speed
Sets the target altitude in the MCP window
The ALT SEL knob directly sets the selected altitude that appears in the MCP display window. It does not affect vertical speed, heading, or speed selections. This knob is your primary control for target flight level on the autopilot. Learn more about the Boeing FCU.
How do you arm the altitude capture mode on the 777 autopilot?
Push the ALT SEL knob
Pull the ALT SEL knob
Rotate the DIR knob
Press the SPD button
Pushing the ALT SEL knob arms altitude capture so that the autopilot will level off at the selected altitude. Pulling the knob immediately engages altitude hold, not just arming. Other controls like DIR or SPD do not affect altitude capture. Overview of altitude modes.
How do you manually engage altitude hold mode on the 777?
Pull the ALT SEL knob
Rotate the ALT SEL knob
Press MCP ALT HOLD button
Push the ALT SEL knob
Pulling the ALT SEL knob on the Mode Control Panel immediately engages altitude hold mode. Pushing it only arms capture, and rotation only changes the selected altitude. There is no separate ALT HOLD button on the 777 FCU. 777 altitude selector details.
What is the highest flight level you can set on the 777 MCP altitude selector?
FL380
FL450
FL500
FL600
The Boeing 777 autopilot altitude selector is limited to FL450 as the maximum displayed target. You cannot select altitudes above FL450 using the ALT SEL knob. Selecting higher flight levels requires FMS intervention beyond the MCP. Skybrary: Boeing 777 systems.
Where is the selected altitude shown on the MCP?
On the PFD speed tape
In the altitude window between the ALT SEL knobs
On the ND range scale
Above the heading bug
The MCP displays the selected altitude in the dedicated window between the inner and outer altitude selector knobs. Other display areas like the PFD speed tape or ND range do not show the MCP target. This central location ensures clear altitude reference. MCP altitude display guide.
Which mode appears on the Flight Mode Annunciator when altitude capture is armed but not yet engaged?
ALT HOLD
ALT CAP
ALT SEQ
ALT ARM
When altitude capture is armed on the Boeing 777, the FMA shows "ALT ARM" indicating the system will capture at the target. Once the target is reached, it transitions to "ALT CAP" or "ALT HOLD." There is no ALT SEQ or ALT HOLD readout during arming. Flight Mode Annunciator details.
What color is the selected altitude bug on the PFD altitude tape?
Green
Magenta
White
Amber
On the Boeing 777 PFD, the MCP-selected altitude bug appears in green on the altitude tape. Magenta is reserved for FMS guidance targets. The clear color difference helps pilots distinguish modes. PFD tape color conventions.
Rotating the inner concentric ALT SEL knob adjusts altitude in what increments?
10 feet per click
100 feet per click
50 feet per click
1,000 feet per click
The inner knob on the 777's ALT SEL control changes the selected altitude in 10?foot increments for fine tuning. The outer knob changes by 100?foot increments. These concentric knobs offer both coarse and fine control. Altitude knob increments explained.
Which knob controls coarse changes in selected altitude on the 777 MCP?
Inner ALT SEL knob
Outer ALT SEL knob
Outer SPD knob
Inner HDG knob
On the 777 MCP, the outer altitude selector knob adjusts the altitude target in 100-foot increments for rapid changes. The inner knob is reserved for 10-foot fine adjustments. Heading and speed knobs do not affect altitude. FCU knob functions.
What is the default altitude capture rate limit in ALT CAP mode on the 777?
1500 ft/min
2500 ft/min
500 ft/min
3000 ft/min
Boeing's typical altitude capture is limited to approximately 1,500 ft/min to ensure a smooth level-off. Lower rates may result in a long capture, and higher rates can exceed autopilot limits. This default protects passenger comfort. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook.
When in VNAV PATH, can the pilot change the cruise altitude with the ALT SEL knob?
Yes, when autopilot is off
Yes, anytime
Only above FL200
No, VNAV controls altitude per FMS
In VNAV PATH mode, the FMS manages altitude according to the flight plan and constraints. The MCP ALT SEL knob is inhibited from changing VNAV targets. Only VNAV altitude changes in the FMS will update the target. FMS VNAV operation.
What happens if you select an altitude below the current altitude while descending in ALT ARM?
Autopilot climbs to the new target
No change until ALT CAP
Autopilot descends to the new target
Autopilot disengages
When you select a target lower than your current altitude and ALT ARM is active, the autopilot commands a descent to that selected altitude. It will capture when the target is reached. It does not climb or disengage in this scenario. Autopilot modes overview.
Which FMA indication confirms the autopilot is holding the selected altitude?
ALT CAP
ALT ARM
ALT HOLD
VNAV ALT
"ALT HOLD" on the Flight Mode Annunciator means the autopilot is maintaining the selected altitude. "ALT ARM" is only armed, while "ALT CAP" indicates the capture phase. VNAV indications are flight?plan driven. B777 FMA modes guide.
To change the selected altitude by large increments quickly, which knob and direction would you use?
Press and turn the HDG knob
Rotate the SPD knob
Turn the outer ALT SEL knob clockwise
Turn the inner ALT SEL knob counterclockwise
Large increments are achieved by turning the outer ALT SEL knob, where clockwise increases and counterclockwise decreases the selected altitude by 100 feet per detent. The inner knob only makes 10?foot changes. Heading and speed knobs do not apply. Selector knob functions.
What occurs if you push the ALT SEL knob while on the ground before takeoff?
ALT CAP is armed but no action until airborne
Autothrottle arms
Autopilot engages ALT HOLD immediately
AP disconnects
Arming altitude capture on the ground has no effect until you're airborne and above 400 feet RA. ALT HOLD will not engage until in flight. Pushing the knob does not affect throttle or disconnect AP. Ap engagement standards.
When the selected altitude is reached, which annunciation will appear next on the FMA?
ALT ARM
ALT CAP
ALT SEL
VNAV PATH
Upon reaching the selected altitude, the autopilot transitions from ALT ARM to ALT CAP indicating the capture phase. After stabilizing, it then displays ALT HOLD. ALT SEL is not an FMA mode. Altitude capture sequence.
What action is required to override VNAV altitude change and use MCP altitudes?
Pull the ALT SEL knob twice
Rotate the HDG knob
Toggle the LNAV switch
Press the VNAV button off
Disengaging VNAV by turning off the VNAV button returns altitude control to MCP selections. Pulling the ALT SEL knob only holds altitude without changing the control logic. HDG and LNAV do not affect vertical modes. VNAV and MCP interaction.
In VNAV ALT mode, what does the FMA top line display?
ALT HOLD
VNAV ALT
ALT ARM
VNAV PATH
VNAV ALT indicates that the autopilot is maintaining the cruise altitude assigned by VNAV. VNAV PATH is used for climbs or descents along the flight path, while ALT ARM and ALT HOLD pertain to MCP controls. VNAV mode descriptions.
Which mode engages automatically at top of descent in VNAV?
FLCH
VNAV PATH
ALT ARM
VNAV ALT
At the calculated top of descent, VNAV PATH commands the descent profile. VNAV ALT holds the cruise altitude, ALT ARM is MCP armed capture, and FLCH is a manual climb/descent mode. Top of Descent logic.
What is the minimum altitude change needed for the ALT SEL knob to arm capture?
500 feet
1,000 feet
10 feet
100 feet
The ALT SEL knob must be moved by at least 100 feet to arm altitude capture. Small 10?foot changes with the inner knob only alter the set altitude but do not re?arm if the mode was inactive. Larger changes are required for arming detection. Arm threshold details.
How is a constraint altitude from the FMS displayed on the MCP altitude window?
Magenta bug below green MCP bug
Red asterisk
Green bug above magenta FMS bug
Amber flag
FMS constraint altitudes appear as magenta bugs below the green MCP bug to warn of upcoming constraints. This dual bug display distinguishes pilot?set targets from FMS constraints. Amber, red flags, or asterisks are not used in this context. AIM altitude constraints.
During a coupled approach, which mode is used for glideslope capture?
LOC
ALT HOLD
APP
VNAV PATH
The APP mode couples both localizer and glideslope for precision approaches. LOC only captures lateral guidance, and VNAV PATH is not used below the glide slope. ALT HOLD does not capture glideslopes. Approach modes.
If altitude is intercepted early, what can you do to correct the level-off overshoot?
Increase airspeed
Disengage autopilot
Switch to HDG mode
Reduce vertical speed in VNAV
Overshoot can be limited by reducing VNAV-managed vertical speed rate for a smoother capture. Increasing speed can worsen the overshoot and switching modes or disengaging the autopilot is not recommended. High altitude capture tips.
When flying above FL200, what pressurization-derived caution should you monitor before arming ALT SEL?
Cabin differential rate
Cabin altitude limit
Duct temperature
Pressurization mode status
Above FL200, aircraft pressurization must maintain cabin altitude limits to prevent overpressure. Cockpit must monitor cabin altitude before arming descent via ALT SEL. Differential rate and other cues are less critical for arming. Cabin pressurization limits.
Which autopilot disconnects are inhibited when ALT HOLD is engaged?
FD pitch bars remove
LNAV disconnect
Heading mode disconnect
Altitude mode cannot be unintentionally disconnected by manual pitch input
While in ALT HOLD, significant manual pitch inputs will not disconnect altitude mode, ensuring level performance at the set flight level. Heading or lateral modes are unaffected and can still disengage with manual input. Altitude hold disconnect logic.
If you push the ALT SEL knob in climb before reaching your target, what occurs after reaching the deselected altitude?
Autothrottle disconnects
AP disengages
Autopilot enters level-off at the selected altitude
Autopilot remains in climb indefinitely
Pushing the ALT SEL knob arms the capture for level-off at the new target altitude. Once reached, the autopilot automatically levels off. Neither the autothrottle nor autopilot is disconnected by this action. Level-off procedure.
Which annunciator is displayed if the selected altitude window is blanked due to failure?
ERR
00000
Dashes (----)
OFF
A blanked or failed MCP altitude readout will appear as dashes (----) indicating no valid target. Zeros or ERR messages are not used by Boeing in this scenario. MCP display failure indications.
What FMA speed mode is active when altitude capture is engaged at low altitude?
VNAV SPD
FLCH SPD
FLARE
GS
During altitude capture at low altitude in VNAV, the autopilot maintains VNAV SPD for optimum descent. FLARE is for flare maneuver on landing, FLCH SPD is climb/descent, GS is glideslope. VNAV speed modes.
Which action will cancel an armed altitude capture without changing the selected altitude?
Disengage autopilot
Rotate ALT SEL knob
Pull ALT SEL knob
Push ALT SEL knob twice
Pulling the ALT SEL knob cancels arm and immediately holds the current altitude. Disengaging the autopilot does not preserve the selected altitude, and pushing the knob twice does not cancel. Rotation only changes the target. Cancel altitude arm.
During an automatic descent, what determines the transition from VNAV PATH to ALT CAP?
Crossing the FAF
Proximity to selected altitude in FMS
Engaging LOC mode
Pilot audio alert acknowledgement
VNAV PATH transitions to ALT CAP when the aircraft is within a predefined capture gate near the selected altitude. It is not triggered by pilot input, the FAF, or LOC engagement. The FMS logic controls the transition automatically. VNAV capture gate.
What unique logic prevents glitching between vertical modes when switching MCP altitudes rapidly?
Flight Director Lockout
Altitude Damping System
Auto Throttle Buffer
Mode Inhibit Timer
The Boeing 777 uses a Mode Inhibit Timer to prevent rapid cycling between vertical modes when the MCP altitude is changed quickly. This timer inhibits mode changes for a short period. Other systems do not handle vertical mode glitching. Mode Inhibit Timer description.
How does the autopilot avoid overshoot when capturing altitude at high Mach numbers?
Disables altitude capture
Alerts the pilot
Increases vertical speed
Reduces capture rate automatically
At high Mach, the autopilot reduces the rate of descent to prevent overshoot due to inertia and speed. It does not disable capture or increase speed, and it manages internally without pilot alert. High-speed altitude capture.
In dual channel failure, how is the ALT SEL knob output handled?
Is locked out electrically
Reverts to standby mode for manual reference
Triggers an aural warning
Commands FMS to auto-select
With dual MCP channel failure, the ALT SEL knob reverts to standby mode providing manual reference but no autopilot input. The FMS does not auto-select a new target, and there is no additional aural warning specific to the knob. MCP failure modes.
Which logic sequence handles altitude window changes during approach segment transitions?
Approach Altitude Capture Logic
Missed Approach Override
Descent Inhibit Sequence
Go-Around Lockout
The Approach Altitude Capture Logic adjusts altitude window change behavior for final approach segments. Descent Inhibit Sequence and other sequences address different phases like missed approach. This ensures smooth mode transition near the runway. Approach capture logic.
If a new altitude is selected during LOC capture but before GS capture, what happens?
New altitude is selected and ARM resumes after GS
Autopilot ignores the new altitude
GS capture engages prematurely
LOC capture disengages
During LOC capture, a new selected altitude will arm capture immediately but will only engage after GS capture is complete. The lateral and vertical capture sequences are managed independently by the autopilot. Approach capture sequences.
What is the logic difference between push-to-arm and pull-to-hold in the altitude selector?
Push holds, Pull arms capture
Push resets MCP, Pull disengages AP
Push arms capture, Pull instantly holds
Both actions do the same
Pushing the ALT SEL knob arms altitude capture; pulling it engages altitude hold immediately. This dual-action design provides quick control over climb/descent termination. They are not interchangeable. Push vs Pull logic.
When capturing a FMS altitude constraint, what display change occurs at the top of descent?
Amber flag appears
Green bug turns red
Magenta constraint bug turns green
No change until capture
At the moment VNAV captures an FMS constraint altitude, the magenta constraint bug converts to the active green MCP bug. This confirms that the new altitude is now the MCP target. No red or amber flags are used. Constraint display logic.
Which autopilot vertical mode is automatically inhibited below 400 feet RA on go-around?
ALT ARM
VNAV ALT
VNAV PATH
FLCH
Below 400 ft RA during a go-around, ALT ARM is inhibited to prevent unintended leveling off. VNAV and FLCH modes remain available. This protects the aircraft from unintended altitude capture during critical phases. Go-around automation.
How does the altitude selector logic handle conflicting FMS and MCP altitude commands?
Priority to the active mode (VNAV or MCP)
Always MCP overrules FMS
Generates a caution and holds current altitude
Always FMS overrules MCP
The autopilot uses the active vertical mode - VNAV or MCP - to determine which altitude command to follow. If VNAV is active, FMS altitudes have priority; if VNAV is off, MCP commands take precedence. No caution is generated simply for conflicting inputs. Priority logic.
What system feedback indicates a failure in the altitude capture actuation?
SPEED mode flip
CABIN ALT aural warning
AUTOPLT ALT disengage alert
HDG hold error message
If altitude capture actuation fails, the autopilot will automatically disconnect and alert with an "AUTOPLT ALT DISENGAGE" message. Cabin altitude and heading errors are unrelated, and SPEED mode changes do not indicate ALT CAP failure. AP failure alerts.
In the event of an FMA ADC disagreement, how is the altitude selector response affected?
No change to selector behavior
Selector inputs are inhibited
Inputs amplify to both channels
Inputs are passed through standby ADC
An ADC disagreement causes the altitude selector to inhibit new inputs until corrected. This avoids applying unstable data to the autopilot. Standby ADC does not take over selector commands. ADC disagreement handling.
What condition triggers automatic reversion from VNAV PATH to FLCH on the 777?
Manual thrust levers movement
Approach mode engaged
Crossing FL200
Autopilot channel failure
VNAV PATH will automatically revert to FLCH in the event of an autopilot channel failure to maintain vertical control. Approach engagement or crossing FL200 do not trigger this reversion, nor does pilot thrust movement. Mode reversion logic.
During autoland, which vertical mode sequence does the 777 use for low altitude flare and touchdown?
FLCH then ALT ARM
APP then VNAV PATH
FLARE then ROLLOUT
VNAV ALT then ALT HOLD
In autoland, the autopilot transitions from APP to FLARE at minimums, then to ROLLOUT after touchdown to manage roll attitude. VNAV and ALT modes are not involved at this phase. Autoland mode sequence.
What is the maximum allowable vertical speed for altitude capture set by the FCC to avoid GPWS alerts?
3,000 ft/min
2,000 ft/min
4,000 ft/min
1,000 ft/min
The Flight Control Computer limits vertical speed to 3,000 ft/min for capture to prevent GPWS excessive descent alerts. Rates above this would risk triggering terrain warnings. FCC vertical rate limits.
How does the 777 determine whether to use baro or radio altitude for altitude capture in a coupled approach?
Pilot selects via switch
Always baro altitude
Below 2500 ft radio altitude is primary
Transition at 500 ft radio
In an ILS coupled approach, below 2,500 ft radio altitude becomes the primary source for altitude capture to improve local accuracy. Above that, barometric altitude is used. No pilot switch is required. ICAO altimeter use.
What specific logic is used to maintain a capture rate when transitioning from VNAV PATH to ALT CAP under low-weight conditions?
Invalid in low-weight conditions
Pilot-adjustable limit
Fixed 1500 ft/min always
Adaptive Capture Rate based on inertia model
The autopilot adjusts the capture rate using an inertia-based adaptive algorithm when weight is low to maintain smooth level-offs. It does not stay fixed or require pilot input. Boeing FCC design.
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Study Outcomes
Understand 777 Altitude Selector Auto Fundamentals -
Learn the core principles of the 777 altitude selector auto system, including how it interfaces with the Boeing 777 autopilot altitude control functions.
Apply Correct Altitude Engagement Procedures -
Master the step-by-step process for setting and activating altitude hold, capture, and managed modes on the B777 altitude selector guide.
Analyze Selector Knob Positions -
Identify and differentiate between the ALT, ALT SEL, and managed modes by examining selector knob placements and their impact on flight profile.
Interpret Autopilot Altitude Control Responses -
Evaluate how the autopilot responds during climb, cruise, and descent phases when using the 777 autopilot altitude control system.
Evaluate Realistic Cockpit Scenarios -
Test your decision-making skills with practical quiz questions that mirror actual cockpit procedures and Boeing 777 altitude selector auto challenges.
Cheat Sheet
Altitude Selector Knob Operation -
The altitude selector knob on the 777 features a pull/push design that switches between coarse (1,000 ft) and fine (100 ft) adjustments. For example, twisting the outer dial changes altitude in 1,000 ft increments, while pushing the knob toggles to 100 ft steps (Jeppesen Training). Refer to Boeing FCOM Chapter 2 for recommended cross-verification procedures.
Armed vs Engaged Altitude Modes -
The autopilot's altitude mode displays in the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) as white for armed (SEL) and green for engaged (ACQ/HOLD). A handy mnemonic is "White is waiting, green is going," helping pilots recall that white indicates standby capture and green confirms active leveling (FAA AC 120-71E). Always confirm the mode before committing to level-off.
FMA Annunciations and Capture Logic -
The FMA presents ALT SEL, ALT ACQ, and ALT HOLD annunciations to delineate each phase of altitude capture. The system automatically transitions from ALT SEL to ALT ACQ approximately 1,000 ft before the target and captures within ±50 ft at reduced vertical speed, according to Boeing FCTM standards. Knowledge of these thresholds aids in anticipating vertical mode changes during critical flight phases.
Vertical Mode Priority Sequencing -
Boeing's 777 autopilot follows a strict vertical mode priority: Go-Around, THR REF, VNAV, ALT SEL, FLCH, and Vertical Speed. Memorize the sequence "Get These VFR Altitudes From VSI" (GA, THR REF, VNAV, ALT SEL, FLCH, V/S) to help maintain mode awareness during dynamic flight conditions (Jeppesen Airline Transport Manual). Recognizing priority prevents unwanted mode jumps and ensures stable climbs or descents.
Integrating VNAV with 777 Altitude Selector Auto -
When VNAV is engaged, the FMC's altitude constraints override manual selector inputs until VNAV is disengaged or reaches its programmed constraint. Pilots should set the altitude selector at or above the next VNAV constraint to prevent inadvertent ALT SEL engagement and unwanted mode changes (B777 Altitude Selector Guide). Regular simulator drills for 777 TKE exam practice reinforce this integration and decision-making process.
