General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

What is one condition that will cause TAC to disengage automatically?

1. When speed falls below 70 knots

2. During manual control

3. At cruising altitude

4. When autopilot is engaged

The correct answer is: When speed falls below 70 knots

The condition that causes the Tactical Advisory Capability (TAC) to disengage automatically is when speed falls below 70 knots. This is an important safety feature because it ensures that the system remains active only within a certain speed range where its performance is optimal. When an aircraft's speed drops below this threshold, it may indicate that the aircraft is in a critical flight condition, such as during approach or stall, where reliance on the TAC system could present a risk. Consequently, disengaging TAC helps to allow the pilot to maintain full manual control in situations where precise maneuverability is essential. The other conditions mentioned do not directly trigger the automatic disengagement of TAC. Manual control, for instance, indicates that the pilot is overriding automated systems, but it doesn’t automatically disconnect TAC unless certain operational parameters are not met—like the speed mentioned. Similarly, at cruising altitude or when autopilot is engaged, the system may still function, provided that speed thresholds are maintained.