By 500 ft HAT, which item is part of the stabilization criterion?

By 500 ft HAT, which item is part of the stabilization criterion?

• A. Appropriate approach airspeed established with gust factor adjustments if required
• B. Sink rate not greater than 1000 fpm
• C. Thrust levers above idle
• D. The aircraft must be fully configured for landing

Answer: (A)

Establishing the correct approach airspeed by 500 ft above touchdown is the key idea being tested. On a stabilized approach, the aircraft should be flying at the defined approach speed and remain within that speed band as you descend. Accounting for gusts with gust factor adjustments ensures the true airspeed stays within the target range despite wind gusts, keeping energy and control feel predictable. Why this matters: when the airspeed is stable and within the target, the airplane responds consistently to pitch and power changes, making it easier to maintain the proper descent path and glide slope. If speed isn’t established and protected against gusts, small disturbances can push you toward overspeed, underspeed, or an unstable approach, increasing workload and risk. Other items—like sink rate limits, engine power settings, or being fully configured for landing—are all important parts of approaching and landing, but the specific criterion highlighted here centers on locking in and preserving the appropriate approach speed with gust compensation, which underpins a reliably stable approach at this point in the procedure.

Establishing the correct approach airspeed by 500 ft above touchdown is the key idea being tested. On a stabilized approach, the aircraft should be flying at the defined approach speed and remain within that speed band as you descend. Accounting for gusts with gust factor adjustments ensures the true airspeed stays within the target range despite wind gusts, keeping energy and control feel predictable.

Why this matters: when the airspeed is stable and within the target, the airplane responds consistently to pitch and power changes, making it easier to maintain the proper descent path and glide slope. If speed isn’t established and protected against gusts, small disturbances can push you toward overspeed, underspeed, or an unstable approach, increasing workload and risk.

Other items—like sink rate limits, engine power settings, or being fully configured for landing—are all important parts of approaching and landing, but the specific criterion highlighted here centers on locking in and preserving the appropriate approach speed with gust compensation, which underpins a reliably stable approach at this point in the procedure.