AA.VI.D.K4FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge
A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Bottom line
A stabilized approach is a key feature to a safe approach and landing. AC 91-79( ) describes a profile that has an aircraft stabilized before descending through a 1,000 ft window in IMC, or through a 500 ft above touchdown zone elevation (TDZE) window in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) to the landing touchdown point.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| Stabilized before descending through 1,000 ft in IMC | IMC window |
| Landing gear and landing flaps by 1,000 feet AGL | Gear and flaps |
| Bring power up by 500 feet AGL | Power up |
| Approximately 50 ft above the landing runway threshold | CDFA endpoint |
FAA references
- AC 120-108 ch. 4 List of Tables — AC No: 120-108A
- AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 5, Stall Recognition (p. 5-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points; Rules and numbers; How it is done
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
- Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them