Approach Operations and the Energy Management Challenge

This article presents vital approach energy management data that has been flight tested. This important background information may be of considerable interest to those involved in designing solutions for the approach and landing safety problem. This data can easily be uploaded to a “Smart Cockpit” feature so that flight crews can have this information presented when it is most needed. Limiting parameters for a stabilized approach are presented. The flight crew must be aware of certain stabilization targets so as to make a more informed decision concerning the go-around or land decision. Aerodynamic factors such as weight and airspeed effects are covered to provide the necessary understanding of the dynamic stability challenge. Deceleration distances versus approach airspeeds have been operationally examined. These profiles include level flight deceleration, level flight maximum deceleration, three-degree maximum rate deceleration, high-speed descent, low-speed descent, and the concerning “slam dunk” turn.