In a stabilized approach, toward what is the glide path directed?

In a stabilized approach, toward what is the glide path directed?

• A. A constant airspeed target regardless of descent
• B. The pilot maintains a constant glide path toward a predetermined point on the runway
• C. Descent with no glide path
• D. A dynamic path with fluctuating altitudes

Answer: (B)

The glide path in a stabilized approach is a steady, fixed vertical path directed toward a specific touchdown point on the runway. This ensures consistent vertical guidance so you descend at a controlled rate and aim to touch down at the intended spot, typically near the threshold. A constant glide path toward that predetermined point keeps the approach predictable and leaves little room for abrupt changes in altitude or attitude. Describing it as just maintaining a constant airspeed misses the vertical guidance aspect. Descent with no glide path eliminates the required vertical reference, making the approach unsafe. A dynamic path with fluctuating altitudes would create instability, undermining the goal of a stabilized, well-controlled approach.

The glide path in a stabilized approach is a steady, fixed vertical path directed toward a specific touchdown point on the runway. This ensures consistent vertical guidance so you descend at a controlled rate and aim to touch down at the intended spot, typically near the threshold. A constant glide path toward that predetermined point keeps the approach predictable and leaves little room for abrupt changes in altitude or attitude.

Describing it as just maintaining a constant airspeed misses the vertical guidance aspect. Descent with no glide path eliminates the required vertical reference, making the approach unsafe. A dynamic path with fluctuating altitudes would create instability, undermining the goal of a stabilized, well-controlled approach.