When the FCU is used to control the Auto Flight, the system is operating in which mode?

When the FCU (Flight Control Unit) is used to control the Auto Flight system, it operates in Selected Mode. In this mode, the flight crew actively chooses the desired parameters for navigation, speed, and altitude settings manually through the FCU. This allows pilots to make real-time adjustments based on their specific operational needs or preferences.

In Selected Mode, the pilot is essentially overriding the aircraft’s automatic functions, which contrasts with Managed Mode. In Managed Mode, the aircraft autonomously determines the best route and settings based on pre-programmed inputs and flight management system decisions. Automatic Mode is not a standardized term used in the context of the FCU operation, and Manual Mode typically indicates that the aircraft is being flown solely by pilot control, without the engagement of any flight augmentation systems.