4.8 Approach

Objective
To establish a stable, controlled and smooth transition from descent into final approach, ensuring a safe and predictable landing.
Approach Philosophy (VA Standard)
The approach continues the descent philosophy:
Vertical path → primarily pilot controlled (Selected modes)
Speed → managed by aircraft (Managed mode)
Focus:
Passenger comfort
Stabilized approach
Controlled energy management
Approach Preparation
PF:
Conducts full approach briefing:
Runway
Approach type (ILS / RNAV)
Minimums
Missed approach procedure
PM:
Verifies MCDU setup
Tunes and identifies navigation aids
Sets minimums
Initial Approach Phase
Descent continues using:
Selected V/S (preferred)
Managed Descent only if required
Speed → MANAGED
Localizer Capture
Arm approach mode (APPR) as required
Monitor LOC capture
Glide Slope Intercept
Configuration Requirement:
👉 Flaps 2 must be set BEFORE Glide Slope capture
This ensures:
Stable aerodynamic configuration
Smooth GS interception
Reduced workload during capture
Configuration During Approach
Progressive configuration:
Flaps 1 → as speed decreases
Flaps 2 → BEFORE GS capture (mandatory SOP)
Final Approach (Stabilization Phase)
Configuration Targets:
By latest 5 NM Final:
Gear → DOWN
Flaps → FULL (in progress or completed)
Stabilization Requirement:
By 2 NM Final (latest at MINIMUM call):
The aircraft MUST be:
Fully configured (Flaps FULL, Gear DOWN)
At Final Approach Speed (VAPP)
On correct vertical and lateral path
Stable descent rate
Speed Management
Managed Speed maintained throughout STAR and approach
On final:
Aircraft transitions to VAPP automatically
Manual intervention only if required
Stabilized Approach Criteria
At:
1000 ft (IMC)
500 ft (VMC)
Aircraft must be:
On correct flight path
At correct speed
Fully configured
Stable
If NOT stabilized:
👉 Immediate GO-AROUND
Monitoring (PM)
Localizer / Glide slope deviation
Speed trend (VAPP control)
Configuration status
Callouts
Standard Callouts
“LOC STAR”
“GLIDE SLOPE STAR”
“FLAPS 2”
“GEAR DOWN”
“FLAPS FULL”
“STABLE”
Mode Philosophy
Vertical path:
Controlled via GS or pilot input
Speed:
Managed by aircraft
Exceptions
Deviation from SOP allowed only if:
ATC instructions
Abnormal situations
Safety requires immediate action
Core Rule
“Stabilize early – never chase the aircraft.”
Outcome
A correct approach results in:
Fully stabilized final
Predictable aircraft behavior
Safe and smooth landing phase