BA SOP-
In order to satisfy the stabilised approach criteria, the aircraft will be:
• in the planned landing configuration.
• on the correct vertical profile.
• have approach power set.
• be at a speed no more than Target App Speed + 15 kts.
If the above criteria are not met at 1000 ft RA then consideration must be given to a go-around. If the above criteria are not met at 500 ft RA then an immediate go-around must be carried out.
Manual thrust is indeed not allowed unless required. Personally I have been on the 'bus for nearly 4 years and never had any worries with it, although there have been times when I would have made corrections quicker than it has. Do I agree with the auto thrust policy? No. But that is not what this thread is about.
I operated to BCN a couple of days ago and had no problems. Although we were asked to slow to 230knts at 25NM as we were number 7! We believe the nice lady meant to say number 3. It was quiet though.
ps. 230 knots on the airbus is truly the most unhelpful speed if you are going for a CDA (as we do as much as possible). Can't take flap, can't take much speed brake, can't slow down if you're doing 700ft min decent. 220 would be a preferable speed to ask for. IMHO.
ATB.