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