A method of automatic piloting of an aircraft during a phase of approach
to a predetermined airdrop position includes automatically applying a
speed profile with decreasing speed such that the aircraft will reach the
airdrop position at a predetermined theoretical arrival time with a
predetermined speed, the speed profile having a plurality of
constant-speed levels separated by deceleration phases. An actual arrival
time is automatically determined and a difference between the theoretical
and actual arrival times is calculated. If the calculated difference
differs from zero, the speed profile is corrected by modifying the length
lengths of time that at least two constant-speed levels are applied to
the aircraft so as to cancel the difference.