Stable Approach
The Foundation of a Safe Landing
A good landing starts with a good approach and the key to that is stability.
A stable approach isn’t just about flying straight and level, it’s about meeting a specific set of criteria that keeps the aircraft under control and ready to land safely.
What is a Stable Approach?
A stable approach means the aircraft is:
On the correct glide path
Flying at the correct speed
In the correct configuration (gear and flaps set)
Making small corrections only
Fully briefed and cleared to land
And all of that must be established before a certain altitude — usually:
1000 ft AGL in IMC
500 ft AGL in VMC
If the aircraft isn’t stable by that point, the correct action is simple: go around.
Why is Stability So Important?
Because most landing accidents start with an unstable approach.Late configuration, high descent rate, floating over the runway, runway excursions — they’re all signs of poor energy management during the approach.
A stable approach gives pilots time to:
Monitor instruments
Make minor adjustments
Stay ahead of the aircraft
Execute a smooth, controlled landing
No rushing. No guessing.
What Makes an Approach Unstable?
Here are some common warning signs:
Excessive speed or descent rate
Late flap or gear extension
Chasing the glide slope or localizer
Unstable power setting
Not aligned with the runway in time
ATC vectors too close to the threshold
When in Doubt, Go Around
There’s no shame in going around, but there’s a huge risk in trying to salvage a bad approach.
The go-around procedure is standard, trained, and expected. Making that call is a sign of discipline and professionalism, not weakness.
Final Approach, Final Decision
Pilots are always told: "Fly it like you're going to land. But be ready to go around."
That mindset combined with consistent stable approaches keeps both pilots and passengers safe.
Because in aviation, a smooth touchdown always starts miles before the runway.