I just want to emphasise that the problem is not that 160 to 4 is too fast. I guarantee I can achieve a stable approach
every time - not surprising when I've had the gear down for the past four miles!!
The problem is "160 to 4" from eight or ten miles is totally inappropriate for a 737 "Classic" if we're expected to carry out a CDA and minimise noise and fuel burn. For those who don't know, into the London airports, we're supposed to fly a continuous descent approach from 6000 feet to minimise noise and fuel burn. I'm frequently given "160 to 4" from ten miles, which means dropping the gear at 3000 feet or more, which means winding the engines up for more than half of the CDA!!
126.825,
PM inbound.
