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Old 22nd March 2010 | 14:43
  #5 (permalink)  
bfisk
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 716
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From: Europe
Well, that prompts the question "what is a stabilised approach"? You will find this will differ from operator to operator, but in general something like that:

-The aircraft is on the correct approach path
-The aircraft has the correct energy level (airspeed/altitude)
-The aircraft is configured for landing
-The checklists are completed
-The trend is neutral (ie the thrust, sink rate and trim are within limits).

How this is interpreted, practically, will vary.

Ie; while some will interpret the first one as being on the extended centerline, some may say within 1/2 scale deflection (and that will be a different absolute value for an ILS contra a VOR approach), and some will leave it up to judgement. We have a requirement to be within half-scale deflection on straight in approaches, wings level at 500RA on a visual approach, and wings level at 300RA on a circling approach. There are some circling approaches where that will not be possible (look up ENHV for instance), and then a special briefing must be made.

There are also differences with regards to vertical speed. Many consider 1000fpm the norm, while other operators may allow up to 1500fpm as nescessary to comply with steep approach procedures (ie a 4,5 degree approach requires 900fpm with 120 kts, that leaves very little leeway if the limit is 1000fpm.

For your specific limitations, consult your operations manual. What applies to someone else may not necessarily apply to you.
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