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