Which of the following events will cause the autopilot to automatically disconnect?

• A. Stall warning / stick shaker
• B. Engine failure
• C. Loss of cabin pressure
• D. High airspeed alert

Answer: (A)

A stall warning or stick shaker triggers autopilot auto-disconnect because continuing to let the autopilot hold flight in a stall-prone condition can make the situation worse. A stall means the wing’s angle of attack is too high and lift is decreasing; to recover, you need a deliberate pilot input: lower the nose to reduce the angle of attack, add power if needed, and configure the aircraft for safe flight. The stick shaker is a direct, hard alert of an imminent stall, and the flight control system hands control back to the pilot so you can execute a proper recovery without fighting the autopilot.

The other events aren’t automatic disconnects in the same way. An engine failure may be managed with appropriate single-engine or engine-out procedures and, depending on the aircraft and configuration, the autopilot can remain engaged to maintain stability and safety while you handle the situation. Loss of cabin pressure is a system warning that doesn’t inherently require disconnecting the autopilot. A high airspeed alert warns of overspeed risk but doesn’t automatically force the autopilot to disconnect in most procedures.