billteasdale:
One thing I don't see discussed is the relativity of what constitutes a stabilized approach. Within SOP is a given... but a low time in type pilot needs to be on a much more accurate profile (i.e. centered on the PAPI/VASI) and completely set up in landing configuration, while a more experienced in type pilot can accept a bit more, for lack of a better word, slack, in the parameters (e.g. all whites, thus high on approach and possible long touchdown on a suitable runway/airstrip) Of course, SOP must be the governing principle, as well as operating regs (135 or 121) in a given country as well as the registered country of the aircraft.
In the U.S. we have a regulation that requires a commercial operator to touchdown within the touchdown zone.
We also have more and more instrument approach procedures with vertical guidance (especially LNAV/VNAV, LPV, and RNP AR) where the chart is noted:
"VGSI and RNAV glidepath not coincident."
The pilot, regardless of experience level, is well-advised to follow the glidepath rather than the VGSI in such cases, for any number of reasons.