Note: The thrust required to descend on the glide slope may be near idle.
757/767/777: Intercept the glide slope with gear down and flaps 20 at flaps 20 speed. 737: Intercept the glide slope with gear down and flaps 15 at flaps 15 speed.These are the general steps for the 737, 757, 767, and 777: The actual steps to use vary by airplane model and are described in the FCOM, flight crew training manual, or airline standard operating policy. This approach is known as a low-drag, delayed-flaps, or noise-abatement approach. If the approach is not being conducted in adverse conditions that would make it difficult to achieve stabilized approach criteria, the final flap selection may be delayed until just prior to 1,000 feet above field elevation (AFE) to conserve fuel and reduce noise and emissions or to accommodate speed requests by air traffic control.
These profiles include specific flap settings and when to select them during various parts of the approach (see fig. 1).įigure 1: Standard approach profile for 737 models Boeing flight crew training manuals and/or operating manuals include specific instructions for standard approaches. The cost of a missed approach is also discussed.īoeing flight crew training manuals and/or flight crew operating manuals (FCOM) define standard approach profiles for every Boeing model. In this article, two types of approaches are analyzed: the standard approach and the low-drag or delayed-flaps approach. An airline can choose an approach procedure and flap setting policy that uses the least amount of fuel, but it should also consider the trade-offs involved with using this type of procedure.
Download the whole series as one PDF.įuel conservation is a significant concern of every airline. It was followed by “ Cruise Flight in the fourth-quarter 2007 issue and “ Takeoff and Climb in the fourth-quarter 2008 issue. The first article in this series, “ Cost Index Explained, appeared in the second-quarter 2007 AERO. It discusses strategies for saving fuel during the descent and approach phases of flight. This article is the fourth and final in a series exploring fuel conservation strategies.