Approach Configuration Management

The concept was new to me when I first started teaching in high-performance aircraft: There are pre-chosen settings for aircraft power and configuration, i.e., flap and landing gear position, that result in predictable performance. Set the power, establish the configuration, and the airplane will perform as expected. Manage the drag (with gear and flaps) and power (manifold pressure and propeller, turbine speed or pressure) and the airplane will attain the proper airspeed and vertical speed for an approach or a missed approach.

Key Takeaways:

• The article advocates for using pre-determined power and configuration settings during aircraft approaches to achieve predictable performance, reduce pilot workload, and enhance safety, particularly to prevent stalls during missed approaches.
• A key technique is to fly approaches at the aircraft's optimal climb speed, ensuring it is pre-trimmed for a potential go-around and minimizing dangerous pitch-up tendencies.
• Pilots should use partial flaps for increased stability and improved forward visibility. For retractable gear, extending it at glideslope intercept or the Final Approach Fix (FAF) utilizes drag for descent and facilitates a stabilized approach from FAF to the missed approach point.

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