Split S

What is the definition of "stabilized on the approach" when used in questions like: "Company policy is to be stabilized on approach by 1000ft AGL but Capt isn't, what do you do?"

I've seen the term in various other places of my interview prep and am looking for specifics if possible.

Thanks

-SS

tathepilot

Here is a good reference http://www.flightsafety.org/alar/ala...blizedappr.pdf

the King

Generally that means on glideslope (if applicable) and on (VOR, localizer, GPS, etc) course.

__________________
More people are killed by donkeys than in airplane crashes each year....

HercDriver130

Id say stabalized approaching is a moving target depending on the situation. Knowing what is acceptable etc....is not always cut and dried. Maybe you are a bit fast..... KNOWING you still have time to get configured and stable and just guessing at it are two different things. Its a bit less of a deal now with so many of the "regionals" flying jets because the speeds are closer to what the bigger boys are flying. When I flew the ATR out of JFK and MIA many many days approach would ask you to keep you speed up to 170 "as long as possible"... The captains mostly old command airways guys would sometimes wait until really short final to get it all configured....understand they would brief it and once you saw it done it was no big deal... again...stabilized may be a moving target. Thats probably not the checkride answer but it can be reality.

FlyerJosh

Aircraft configured, on glideslope (+/- 1/2 dot), on centerline (+/- 1/2 dot), on speed (+/- 5 knots), and engines spooled up above flight idle thrust.

Company policy where I work is stabilized by 500 for a visual approach. Stabilized to approach flaps and approach speed (130-140) by the FAF for an instrument approach and stabilized for landing at 500 above DH/MDA.

HercDriver130

See... i knew Josh would have the book answer....

Split S

Good gouge all the way around, appreciate it

-SS

FlyerJosh

Nah... I just make it up and make sure that it sounds official!

Ewfflyer

All good definitions, and honestly the only times I do a true stabilized approach is when weather is within 300-500ft of minimums, if I'm in a new plane I haven't flown or not familiar with, or I'm loaded with ice. Otherwise, I fly freight dog style. For better or worse, but you never had to worry about me going approach speed 10nm final and slowing everyone else down. Now that I'm in a new job I know my style will change mainly because the task at hand(usually testing equipment or demo'ing aircraft for potential buyers).

__________________
Opinions have been known to cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting

FlyerJosh

I have no problem with flying faster or configuring later... but I still abide by the guidelines set in our manual- not because they're there, but because I think its wise to do.

That said, I also know that I can do 250 to the marker or ~3 mile final and still make the guidelines (might not be uber comfortable with the rapid deceleration).