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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

  • AircraftDescent 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

Configuration Requirement:

At👉 Flaps 2 must be set BEFORE Glide Slope (GS) capture:capture

👉This MANDATORY CONFIGURATION:ensures:

  • FlapsStable →aerodynamic 2configuration
Smooth GS interception Reduced workload during capture

Configuration During Approach

TheProgressive aircraft must be configured progressively:configuration:

  • Flaps 1 → as speed decreases
  • Flaps 2 → atBEFORE 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

    The aircraft MUST be:

    • Fully configured (Flaps FULL, Gear →DOWN)
    DOWNAt Final Approach Speed (VAPP) FlapsOn →correct FULLvertical and lateral path FullyStable stabilizeddescent rate

    Speed Management

    • Managed Speed maintained until end ofthroughout STAR / earlyand approach

    DuringOn final:

    • SpeedAircraft adaptstransitions to VAPP 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)

    • Localizer / Glide slope and localizer deviation
    • Speed trend (VAPP control)
    • Configuration status
    • Callouts

    KeyStandard 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

    “ControlStabilize early – never chase the path – let the aircraft manage the speed.aircraft.”

    Outcome

    A correct approach results in:

    • StabilizedFully stabilized final
    • Predictable aircraft behavior
    • SmoothSafe transitionand intosmooth landing phase
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