When do you slow to Final Approach Speed?
 

Hello all,

I'm an TMA controller based at YPPH and was wondering...

If the FMS has calculated Flap/Speed eg. 25deg=146kt; 30deg=140kt etc - via the Approach Reference page then when do Aircrew reduce to such speeds.

Is it time based or level based??

For example - Most operators in Australia, have reduced to 250kts by A050, if not by A100 (dependent upon FLOW instructions/STAR limitations etc...) but when do you commence speed reductions to "Final Approach Speed".

Do you use the MCP and just "wind down" via the IAS/Mach selector/window??

Please excuse my ignorance but such knowledge and understanding helps to educate both myself and collegues in "Approach Control".

.:DBE:.

Most operators require final speed at 1000' plus a few knots margin (up to 20 in places.) 500' is the absolute lowest normally. I would guess the norm is around 4 miles?

engines at idle till final flap setting.
250kts below FL100
turning to final track, about 4-8 NM till GS intercept (depending on wind and gross weight) let it "shoot out" from 250 to 200 in level flight. about 3 NM before glide flaps 1, speed bug rougly 185, flaps 5, bug 170. glide slope capture. still idle.
6NM till rwy, gear down -> lots of drag, flaps15, speed ~ 160, final flaps 30/40 Vref from 125-145 + 5-20kts wind correction. now we are about 4NM out in 1200ft, landing checklist. all should be finished by 1000ft.

Agree with Boac, during IMC I am obligated to be in a stabilized condition by 1000 HAT per SOP, on the small Airbus I am in config 2 at GS intercept, gear down at 1700 HAT, at 1400 I will fully configure and reduce to approach speed of approximately 140 KTS.

4-8 NM , 1000 ft AGL you should be at target speed

Depends. If it's a overtime month, very early!

By 500'.

160 kts through 1000' AFL.

DBEnterprises - see if you can get yourself some jumpseat rides and watch how it happens, how it varies etc. A picture is worth a thousand words!;)