Which statement about the white box around an active FMA mode is true?

Which statement about the white box around an active FMA mode is true?

• A. During engine start
• B. After taxi
• C. On approach
• D. When thrust is set for takeoff

Answer: (D)

The white box marks the mode that is actively guiding the aircraft on the Flight Mode Annunciator. It is the visual cue that this particular mode is currently in control, not just selected or armed. When you set thrust for takeoff (TO/GA or FLEX TOGA), the autothrust system engages a takeoff thrust mode, and that TO/GA mode becomes the active mode. The FMA then shows TO/GA with the white box around it, indicating it is governing the flight guidance at that moment. In other phases like during engine start, after taxi, or on approach, the active guidance state can be different or not engaged in the same way, so the characteristic white-box indication is not tied to those phases in the same definite way.

The white box marks the mode that is actively guiding the aircraft on the Flight Mode Annunciator. It is the visual cue that this particular mode is currently in control, not just selected or armed. When you set thrust for takeoff (TO/GA or FLEX TOGA), the autothrust system engages a takeoff thrust mode, and that TO/GA mode becomes the active mode. The FMA then shows TO/GA with the white box around it, indicating it is governing the flight guidance at that moment. In other phases like during engine start, after taxi, or on approach, the active guidance state can be different or not engaged in the same way, so the characteristic white-box indication is not tied to those phases in the same definite way.