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 confuse the act of "activating" a GPS approach with engaging the autopilot's "APR" (approach) key, despite these being distinct functions of separate systems.
The GPS navigator handles the sequencing of an approach (indicated by magenta arrows in the flight plan), while the autopilot's APR key is part of the Automatic Flight Control System.
The APR key's primary purpose is to enable the autopilot to track both lateral and vertical guidance (glideslope/glide path) for descent, typically engaged once a pilot is "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.