Orbits on final are a very hot issue at the company who I work for after a few very spectacular cock ups.
- hmm! Your company is not alone
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I would recommend a 'go' at para 2 of post #3 next time. Folk are SO reluctant to get energy DOWN for the 'expected' visual, and it really does not use much extra fuel/time if for any reason you then decide to take radar vectors etc. The slow speed/gear/approach flap will also save time in the long run if you are 'high' as you will use so many track miles and although it seems to take an age, as PantLoad says, it does not, in fact.
Like PL I caution against gear at high speed for the same reasons - plus the same fatigue issue, and I have a personal 'limit' of 230kts (737) for 'planned' gear extension - and try to make a quick PA beforehand if the situation permits, as it is so noisy and 'unexpected' for the pax (and crew
)