Stabilized Approach [DELETE]

An approach is considered stabilized when it satisfies the associated conditions, typically defined by an air operator in their company operations manual (COM) or SOPs, as they may relate to the:

  • Range of speeds specific to the aircraft type
  • Power setting(s) specific to the aircraft type
  • Range of attitudes specific to the aircraft type
  • Configuration(s) specific to the aircraft type
  • Crossing altitude deviation tolerances
  • Sink rate
  • Completion of checklists and flight crew briefings

Stabilized approach procedures should be defined for all approaches and may include the following:

  • A flight profile should be stabilized at an altitude not lower than 1,000 ft above the threshold when in IMC
  • A flight profile should be stabilized at an altitude not lower than 500 ft above the threshold;
  • A flight profile should remain stabilized until landing;
  • A go-around is required if a flight profile is not stabilized in accordance with these requirements or if the flight profile subsequently becomes destabilized.

The Flight Test Guide – Instrument Rating (TP 9939) prescribes the following criteria for a stabilized approach:

  • Aircraft must be in the proper landing configuration appropriate for wind and runway conditions;
  • Briefings and checklists complete;
  • Appropriate power settings applied;
  • ILS or LPV Approach – within ½ scale laterally and within ½ scale of the glideslope or glide path angle;
  • LNAV / VNAV Approach – within ½ scale laterally and within ½ scale of the glide path angle;
  • Maximum sink rate of 1,000 feet per minute;
  • Speed within +20/-0 knots. of the reference speed;
  • Only small heading and pitch changes required;
  • During IMC – Stable by 1,000 feet AGL;
  • During VMC – Stable by 500 feet AGL.
REFERENCES
AIM RAC 2.16.2 Stabilized Approach  
Flight Test Guide - Instrument Rating Groups 1, 2 and 3 Aeroplane (TP 9939)
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