According to the Flight Safety Foundation, unstabilized approaches were factors in 66% of approach-and-landing accidents (ALAs) since 1984.
These events are often associated with a lack of time to plan, prepare and conduct the approach.
An approach is considered stable when all stabilization criteria (defined by SOPs) are met in a minimum height (recommended 1,000 ft AGL in IMC and 500 ft in VMC):
Aircraft on the correct flight path (just small corrections required to maintain the path)
Aircraft in the correct landing configuration
Speed between Vref and Vref+20 kt
Sink rate no greater than 1,000 fpm
Power setting appropriate for the configuration (above the minimum power)
All briefings and checklists done
Any deviation from the elements above for conduct a specific approach procedure requires a special briefing
Conducting a stable approach increases the flight crew’s overall situational awareness, improves communication and provides more time to monitor the parameters, weather and systems.
The following strategy can prevent unstabilized approaches:
Antecipate - look ahead for any contributing factor that can lead to an unstable app.
Detect - ensure appropriate monitoring and backup. Both pilots should have a common reference.
Correct - perform positive corrective actions before deviations develop into a challenging situation
Decide - if the approach is not stabilized or any flight parameter exceeds the limit (other than transiently) do not continue, go around!
The flight crew must “stay ahead of the aircraft” throughout the flight. This includes achieving desired flight parameters during approach and landing.
If the approach is unstable, always consider a go around!
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