How do I use autoland in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

To use autoland in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, fly an autoland-capable aircraft onto a suitable ILS approach, tune and identify the localiser, arm approach mode, engage every autopilot channel required by that aircraft, and configure fully for landing. Continue only when the flight-mode annunciator shows the correct autoland status; monitor FLARE and ROLLOUT.

Is autoland a separate MSFS 2024 setting?

No: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has no universal AUTOLAND button that works with every aircraft. Autoland is an aircraft-system function modelled through its autopilot, navigation radios, autothrust or autothrottle, and flight-control computers.

Pressing APP only commands a coupled instrument approach. It does not prove that the aircraft will flare, touch down or remain on the centreline. Our explanation of when an autopilot can truly land an aircraft covers that distinction in more detail. AI piloting or landing assistance is also separate from a correctly configured autoland.

What does autoland require?

You need an aircraft with a modelled autoland system, a usable ILS and the correct approach configuration.

• An autoland-capable aircraft: many airliners support it, but most light aircraft and basic single-channel autopilots do not. Add-on implementation also varies.
• A suitable runway: use a runway with a valid ILS. For a representative low-visibility operation, choose a published CAT II or CAT III approach; the simulator may permit a flare on other ILS approaches, but that does not make the operation equivalent to an approved CAT III autoland.
• Matching navigation data: the runway, ILS frequency, inbound course and identifier must agree with the transmitter in the simulator. A chart or flight-plan database can occasionally disagree with the scenery data.
• A stable intercept: intercept the localiser at a modest angle and from below the glideslope. Trying to capture from above is one of the most common reasons G/S remains armed without becoming active.
• All required autopilot channels: airliners commonly require two channels for full autoland capability, although the architecture and displayed status differ by type.

If localiser or glideslope capture is the part causing trouble, follow our complete MSFS 2024 ILS capture procedure before attempting autoland.

How do I set up autoland in MSFS 2024?

Use this sequence as a general procedure, then follow the exact mode logic shown in the simulated aircraft.

1. Select the runway and approach. Load the correct ILS arrival or approach in the FMS, then confirm the runway direction and published minima. An RNAV or visual approach is not automatically suitable for autoland.
2. Verify the ILS. Check the frequency, inbound course and identifier rather than trusting the loaded flight plan blindly. Tune both navigation receivers and course selectors where the aircraft requires them.
3. Set up the descent. Enter the landing performance data, minima and missed-approach altitude. Arrive at the final intercept below the glideslope, at a sensible speed and without a large heading correction.
4. Arm approach mode. Select APP or the aircraft's equivalent and watch the flight-mode annunciator. Confirm localiser capture first and glideslope capture afterwards; do not rely solely on illuminated panel buttons.
5. Engage the remaining autopilot channel. Do this at the point allowed by the aircraft, normally after approach mode is armed or ILS capture has begun. Airbus pilots should use the A320-specific autopilot and dual-channel setup; Boeing users can follow the 737 ILS and dual-autopilot sequence.
6. Configure for landing. Extend the landing gear and required flaps, select the target speed, arm spoilers, set autobrake if fitted, and confirm autothrust or autothrottle operation. Autoland cannot rescue an unstable, excessively fast approach.
7. Confirm autoland status. Before the applicable decision point, the annunciations must show the expected dual-channel or landing capability. If the system downgrades, fails to capture or displays a warning, go around rather than assuming it will recover close to the ground.
8. Monitor touchdown and rollout. Keep your hands near the controls without making inputs that could disconnect the autopilot. Watch for the flare and rollout modes, then take over when the aircraft's procedure calls for it.

Which indications confirm that autoland is working?

The flight-mode annunciator must explicitly show the expected landing capability; captured LOC and G/S alone confirm only a coupled ILS approach.

For example, an A320 commonly shows CAT 3 DUAL with both autopilots engaged, followed by LAND, FLARE and ROLLOUT. A 737 may display LAND 3 or a downgraded status before its flare and rollout modes. Treat the annunciations supplied by the specific aircraft as authoritative.

Why does autoland fail or disconnect?

Most failed autolands result from an incorrect ILS setup, poor glideslope intercept or missing autopilot channel rather than a simulator-wide fault.

• The localiser never captures: check that you selected the correct runway end, frequency and navigation source. Verify the identifier because adjacent runways can use different transmitters.
• The glideslope remains armed: descend below the beam and re-intercept it. Capturing from above is unreliable and can produce an unsafe descent if forced.
• Dual-channel status never appears: engage the second autopilot when permitted, check both navigation receivers and course selectors, and confirm that this aircraft actually models autoland.
• The autopilot disconnects near the ground: look for conflicting yoke, sidestick, rudder or trim inputs. Noisy axes and duplicate control bindings can trigger a disconnect in some aircraft.
• The aircraft flares but will not track the centreline: rollout guidance may be unavailable, the localiser may be offset, or the aircraft may have downgraded to a mode requiring manual control.
• The approach works on one runway but not another: compare the simulator's ILS data with the selected approach. Missing or mismatched scenery navigation data can prevent capture even when the FMS route looks correct.

Does autoland control braking and reverse thrust?

Autoland usually handles the final descent, flare and sometimes centreline tracking, but it does not automatically complete every action after touchdown.

Autobrake will decelerate the aircraft if it was armed and remains available. Reverse thrust normally requires pilot input, and you must disconnect the autopilot or rollout mode at the appropriate speed before steering clear of the runway. Autoland does not taxi the aircraft.