Approach Speeds Explained

This is a fairly typical 737 approach profile with speeds, flaps, and gear deployment shown. It is a CAT I ILS approach. Obviously in real life it would depends on all sorts of factors to what the VREF and final approach speed VAPP is.

There are also different approach profiles like a low drag approach (as Ryanair often use) which differs as you maintain Flaps 5 190kts until 4 miles, then do Gear Down, Flaps 15, Arm Speedbrake, 160 kts, and only do final configuration of Landing Flaps and VAPP around 1000-800ft RA.

The aim with the shown approach is to be stabilised by 1000ft RA, with stabilised approach criteria being:

  • The aircraft is on the correct flight path and only small changes in heading/pitch are necessary to maintain it
  • The airspeed is not more than VREF + 20kts
  • The aircraft is in the correct landing configuration (i.e. gear and flaps)
  • Sink rate is no greater than 1,000 fpm
  • Power setting is appropriate for the aircraft configuration and is not below the minimum power for the approach
  • All briefings and checklists have been conducted
  • ILS CAT I approach flown within one dot of the G/S and localiser, CAT II/III approach flown within the expanded localiser band
  • During a circling approach wings should be level on final when the aircraft reaches 300 ft AAL
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