To determine which automation modes are currently active, where should a pilot look?

The flight mode annunciator provides a clear and immediate visual representation of the various automation modes that are currently active in the aircraft. This display offers critical information to the pilot by indicating which automatic systems, such as autopilot or flight director modes, are engaged. It functions as a centralized reference point, making it easier for the pilot to verify and monitor the automation status directly related to flight operations.

The mode control panel is primarily where the pilot selects or adjusts the automation modes but does not provide real-time feedback about active modes. The flight management system is a sophisticated tool that plays a key role in navigation and performance planning, but it does not serve as a direct source for current mode indications. The primary flight display primarily shows various flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, and heading, but it does not explicitly detail which automation modes are active at that moment. Thus, for confirming the active automation modes, the flight mode annunciator is the most reliable source.