Approach like a Pro

If you are not already subscribed to FAASafety.gov it is a great resource of safety information, Advisory Circulars, their Wings pilot proficiency program, reminders, and more. Their latest on is stabilized approaches and is as follows:

Stabilize Your Visual Approach
Notice Number: NOTC4840

Reduce your risks during approach and landing by using a Stabilized Approach to the runway. That's what the air carriers do. You'll have to develop your own rules for your Stabilized Approach depending on your aircraft. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Stabilized Approach begins at 500 feet AGL
• Approach airspeed is +5 -0
• Only small changes in heading/pitch are necessary to stay on flight path
• Aircraft is in the landing configuration

Once you've decided on your Stabilized Approach Rules make them part of your personal minimums. If you find you are breaking a rule it's time go GO AROUND …


Tom Turner also covered stabilized approaches nicely in this AvWeb article:
http://www.avweb.com/news/leadingedge/leading_edge_23_stabilized_approaches_199047-1.html