A stabilized approach is characterized by a constant-angle, constant-rate of descent approach profile ending near the touchdown point, where the landing maneuver begins. Slight and infrequent adjustments are all that's needed to maintain a stabilized approach.
Stabilized Approach Criteria
C-FLAPS
Checklists: Complete
Flightpath: Established (±1 dot of deflection horizontally and vertically)
Landing Configuration: Set
Airspeed: Established (+10/-5 knots)
Power: Set
Sink Rate: No greater than 1,000 FPM
Minimum Stabilization Heights
The recommended minimum stabilization heights are:
300' above the airport elevation in VMC for a small airplane in the traffic pattern.
500′ above the airport elevation in VMC.
1,000′ above the airfield elevation in IMC.
For a circling approach, MDA or 500′ above the airport elevation, whichever is lower.
Go-Around for Safety
The objective is to be stabilized before reaching the predetermined minimum stabilization height. If the aircraft is not stabilized at the minimum stabilization height or becomes unstabilized below the minimum stabilization height, a go-around should be initiated.