I must say I am more than disappointed by some of these contributions.
As a residential dweller below approach paths to Heathrow I have much opportunity to witness approaches and experience noise generations by many similar types but very dissimilar airline configuration philosophies.
I am only considering the requirements of a stable approach and touchdown for the moment coupled with the demand for a 'quiet' approach. Forget Speed controls, profiles (high-low), technical,weather and company manuals for this debate and answer only one point!
"What is the latest safe, sensible time/distance with noise abatement in mind, to select the gear down?"
Perhaps ,also I should also ignore any pilot aptitude criteria!
Be assured there seems to be a wide interpretation of this question and before I get the abuse i should claim some 22,000 hrs+ on a variety
of types mostly heavy.