Unstabilized Approach

An unstabilized approach in aviation is an approach where an aircraft fails to maintain critical parameters like speed, descent rate, vertical/lateral flight path, and landing configuration, potentially leading to accidents. These unstable approaches are a significant contributor to approach and landing accidents, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable approach to ensure a safe landing.

Historical Context and Evolution

Early Recognition: The concept of stabilized approaches gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s following an analysis of approach and landing accidents, revealing that unstabilized approaches were a major factor in many incidents.

Flight Safety Foundation's Role: The Flight Safety Foundation played a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting best practices related to stabilized approaches, issuing a "Stabilized Approach" briefing note in 1997.

ICAO and Other Organizations: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other aviation safety organizations have also emphasized the importance of stabilized approaches, with ICAO publications and guidelines addressing the risks of unstable approaches and emphasizing the need for pilots to be prepared to execute a missed approach if the approach becomes unstable.

Continued Safety Focus: Today, stabilized approaches remain a central focus in aviation safety programs, with training and awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable parameters during all phases of the approach and landing.

Key Elements of a Stabilized Approach

Stable Speed: Maintaining the correct airspeed for the aircraft type and approach configuration.

Controlled Descent Rate: Descending at a steady rate, generally within acceptable limits (e.g., not exceeding 1,000 feet per minute below 1,000 feet above ground level).

Correct Flight Path: Following the intended glide path and maintaining proper alignment with the runway.

Proper Configuration: Ensuring the aircraft is in the correct landing configuration, with flaps, gear, and other systems properly set.

Landing Clearance: Receiving a landing clearance by a certain altitude, typically below 1,000 feet above airport elevation.