Eclipse Aviation Eclipse 500 - Stabilized Approach and Landing

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possible. The minimum altitudes for the autopilot on approach are 400’ AGL for a
precision approach and 400’ AGL for a non-precision approach.
Stabilized approach Criteria
Part of every safe arrival and approach plan is to position and configure the aircraft
in order to fly a “stabilized approach”. The following criteria should be used every
time a VFR or IFR approach is flown:
IMC
By 1,000’ AGL:
• Final landing configuration
• Maximum of 1,000fpm descent
• Airspeed stabilized within 20 knots of Vref
• On course
• On glidepath (if precision approach)
By 500’ AGL:
• Landing checklist complete
VMC
By 500’ AGL:
• Final landing configuration
• Maximum of 1,000fpm descent
• Airspeed stabilized at Vref
• Aligned with runway
• Landing checklist complete
Visual Descent Point (VDP)
A VDP should be established and used for non-precision approaches. Some
VDPs are published, but others must be computed by the pilot. Compute the VDP
by subtracting the threshold crossing height from the height above touchdown
(HAT) and divide by 300. This will give you the distance, in nautical miles, from the
threshold.
Personal minimums
Because every pilot possesses a varying amount of experience, skill, and recency,
each pilot must establish personal limits for beginning and continuing an approach.
These minimums will be based on proficiency, aircraft status, physical status, and
myriad other factors. Your personal minimums will likely be more restrictive than
the legal minimums. They may change from day to day—or even in the same day.
Speed ranges for approach category type aircraft