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

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

• A. The glide path is maintained toward a predetermined point on the runway
• B. The glide path is not maintained
• C. The glide path is ignored during approach
• D. The aircraft descends on an unstable path

Answer: (A)

The main idea is keeping the airplane on a controlled, fixed descent path toward the runway. In a stabilized approach, you stay on the intended glide path—the vertical path you’re supposed to follow—and you direct that path toward a specific point on the runway, usually the aim point where you intend to touchdown. This ensures a consistent descent rate, proper speed and configuration, and a predictable, safe landing. Chalking this up to not maintaining or ignoring the glide path would violate the stabilized approach and could lead to an unstable or hard landing, which is why the correct answer emphasizes directing the glide path to that predetermined runway point.

The main idea is keeping the airplane on a controlled, fixed descent path toward the runway. In a stabilized approach, you stay on the intended glide path—the vertical path you’re supposed to follow—and you direct that path toward a specific point on the runway, usually the aim point where you intend to touchdown. This ensures a consistent descent rate, proper speed and configuration, and a predictable, safe landing. Chalking this up to not maintaining or ignoring the glide path would violate the stabilized approach and could lead to an unstable or hard landing, which is why the correct answer emphasizes directing the glide path to that predetermined runway point.