PA.IV.B.K1FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Bottom line
A stabilized approach is established at the recommended approach airspeed, using flaps, throttle, and pitch to control the glidepath. An airplane has two forms of energy: potential energy in the form of altitude, and kinetic energy in the form of speed. If there is a deviation from the desired altitude/distance target during descent, the energy state needs to be adjusted.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| By 1,000 feet AGL | Gear & flaps |
| 10 knots | Speed correction |
| 1 mile per 10 knots | Wind adjustment |
| Descent (thousands of ft) × 3 | TOD rule |
FAA references
- SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-3) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 17 (p. 17-15) — 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