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)