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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-stabilized-approach-aiming-point

On a stabilized final approach, how does the aiming point on the runway appear to the pilot?

It stays still, neither sliding under the nose nor moving away.

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  1. It appears to stay still ✔
  2. It slides under the nose
  3. It moves away toward the horizon

Why: A stabilized approach holds a constant glide angle, airspeed and configuration. Flown that way, the spot you are headed for does not seem to move, while things in front of and beyond it do.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says that in a stabilized approach the runway's shape in the windshield does not change as you get closer.

The dad joke
My flight instructor told me to pick a spot and stick with it. Now I just sit in the same chair all day.
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References

Answer: It appears to stay still. A stabilized approach holds a constant glide angle, airspeed and configuration. Flown that way, the spot you are headed for does not seem to move, while things in front of and beyond it do.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 9 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf
    To the pilot, the aiming point appears to be stationary. It does not appear to move under the nose of the aircraft
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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