How to Eliminate Approach Key Confusion for Pilots

Knowing when to use the function doesn't need to be difficult.

Max Trescott

Friday, November 14, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The APR and autopilot keys are shown mixed in with other keys. [Credit: Max Trescott]

Key Takeaways:

Many pilots mistakenly believe they need to "activate" a GPS approach in their navigator, confusing it with the separate function of the autopilot's APR (Approach) key.
The autopilot's APR key is for the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) to track navigation signals and couple with the glideslope or glide path for descent, not for making a GPS approach "active."
This confusion is compounded by modern glass cockpits where keys for distinct systems (GPS vs. autopilot) are often co-located, blurring their separate roles (e.g., NAV key for lateral tracking, APR key for lateral and vertical guidance once cleared for the approach).

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In September, I talked about what I call the myth of activating the approach. Many pilots seem to feel they need to activate something in their GPS to fly an approach.

As I pointed out, I often hear pilots say, “Now I have to activate the approach,” when in fact their GPS is already set up correctly for it. If you’re under that impression, please go back and read that column in FLYING Magazine Issue 962.