What is the approval status for FMS-defined approaches?

The approval status for FMS-defined approaches indicates that they are not authorized for use with autopilot engaged during standard operations. This limitation exists because, although the Flight Management System (FMS) can calculate and present the approaches, regulatory guidelines and safety protocols dictate that the use of autopilot with FMS-defined approaches may pose risks that are not mitigated effectively.

For flight safety and regulatory compliance, pilots are required to manually perform these approaches to ensure full situational awareness and control of the aircraft during critical phases of flight. This is particularly important in scenarios where precision and decision-making are crucial, such as when dealing with varying weather conditions or unexpected obstacles.

The other choices suggest alternative approval scenarios that do not align with the regulations governing FMS-defined approaches. For example, suggesting that they are approved for autopilot use (the first option) directly contradicts the safety guidelines in place. Similarly, narrowing the approval to specific aircraft or only during training does not accurately reflect the broader regulatory stance that governs FMS-defined approaches across the fleet.