AA.VI.D.S8FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Skills

Establish the appropriate airplane configuration and airspeed considering meteorologica...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Establish the appropriate airplane configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.

Bottom line

A stabilized approach profile is characterized by maintaining a stable approach speed, constant descent rate, constant vertical flight path angle, and the same aircraft configuration. The energy state of an airplane is the balance between airspeed, altitude, drag, and thrust. Non-precision approaches flown without a constant descent require multiple thrust, pitch, and altitude adjustments inside the FAF, which increase pilot workload and potential errors during a critical phase of flight.

FAA references

  1. AC 120-108 ch. 4 List of Tables — AC No: 120-108A
  2. AFH ch. 5, Stall Recognition (p. 5-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. RMH App. D (p. D-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  5. 14 CFR 91.175 (Takeoff and landing under IFR.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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