Stabilized Approach

A stabilized approach is one in which the aircraft meets specific criteria for configuration, speed, descent rate, and flight path alignment by a predetermined altitude — typically 1,000 feet AGL for IMC and 500 feet AGL for VMC. If these criteria are not met, the pilot is required to execute a go-around.

Common stabilized approach criteria include:

• Aircraft is on the correct flight path (ILS/VNAV/visual)
• Speed is within Vref +5/-0 knots (or as specified)
• Landing configuration is complete (gear down, final flap setting)
• Sink rate is no greater than 1,000 feet per minute
• Thrust is stabilized and appropriate for the configuration
• All briefings and checklists are complete

Unstabilized approaches are one of the leading precursors to approach-and-landing accidents. Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) programs consistently show that a significant percentage of approaches fail to meet stabilization criteria, and that operators with strict go-around policies based on stabilization gates have better safety records.