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AA.VI.E.R5FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.

Bottom line

Significant speed and configuration changes during an approach can seriously degrade situational awareness and complicate the decision of the proper action to take at the decision point. If an increasing sink rate is detected, it should be countered by increasing the AOA and simultaneously increasing thrust to counter the extra drag.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-22) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. IPH ch. 3 (p. 3-8) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  3. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. IPH ch. 4 (p. 4-37) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  5. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-20) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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