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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

  • Aircraft continues descent 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

At Glide Slope (GS) capture:

👉 MANDATORY CONFIGURATION:

  • Flaps → 2

Configuration During Approach

The aircraft must be configured progressively:

  • Flaps 1 → as speed decreases
  • Flaps 2 → at GS capture (mandatory SOP)

Final Approach (Stabilization Phase)

By latest 5 NM Final, the aircraft MUST be:

  • Gear → DOWN
  • Flaps → FULL
  • Fully stabilized

Speed Management

  • Managed Speed maintained until end of STAR / early approach

During final:

  • Speed adapts automatically (VAPP)
  • 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 descent rate

If NOT stabilized:

👉 Immediate GO-AROUND

Monitoring (PM)

  • Glide slope and localizer deviation
  • Speed trend
  • Configuration status
  • Callouts

Key Callouts

  • “LOC STAR”
  • “GLIDE SLOPE STAR”
  • “FLAPS 2”
  • “GEAR DOWN”
  • “FLAPS FULL”
  • “STABLE”

Mode Philosophy

  • Vertical path:
    • Controlled via GS (ILS) or pilot input
  • Speed:
    • Managed by aircraft

Exceptions

Deviation from SOP allowed only if:

  • ATC instructions
  • Abnormal situations
  • Safety requires immediate action

Core Rule

“Control the path – let the aircraft manage the speed.”

Outcome

A correct approach results in:

  • Stabilized final
  • Predictable aircraft behavior
  • Smooth transition into landing
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