What are the airspeed and configuration for Final Approach Course?

What are the airspeed and configuration for Final Approach Course?

• A. 110-120 KIAS, Gear Down, Flaps T/O
• B. 120-140 KIAS, Gear Up, Flaps Up
• C. 100-110 KIAS, Gear Down, Flaps L
• D. 95-105 KIAS, Gear Down, Flaps T/O

Answer: (A)

Final Approach Course means you’re on the last leg toward the runway and you should be in a stable, landing-ready configuration at a safe approach speed. The chosen combination gives a practical balance for many light airplanes: 110-120 KIAS keeps you below maneuvering speed, gives you a comfortable margin above stall, and allows for a stable descent on the approach path. Having the gear down ensures the airplane is in the landing configuration in case you need to extend the approach or abort for any reason, and it provides the necessary drag to help you maintain the proper descent rate. Flaps in takeoff position adds just enough drag and lift to maintain control and a suitable glide angle without overshooting the approach or becoming too slow. In this context, it’s a setting that supports a stable approach while keeping the aircraft ready for a landing. Options with speeds outside this range or with different flap/gear settings would either put you too fast for a controlled final approach, too slow and at risk of a stall, or not in a configuration that readily supports a safe landing.

Final Approach Course means you’re on the last leg toward the runway and you should be in a stable, landing-ready configuration at a safe approach speed. The chosen combination gives a practical balance for many light airplanes: 110-120 KIAS keeps you below maneuvering speed, gives you a comfortable margin above stall, and allows for a stable descent on the approach path. Having the gear down ensures the airplane is in the landing configuration in case you need to extend the approach or abort for any reason, and it provides the necessary drag to help you maintain the proper descent rate.

Flaps in takeoff position adds just enough drag and lift to maintain control and a suitable glide angle without overshooting the approach or becoming too slow. In this context, it’s a setting that supports a stable approach while keeping the aircraft ready for a landing.

Options with speeds outside this range or with different flap/gear settings would either put you too fast for a controlled final approach, too slow and at risk of a stall, or not in a configuration that readily supports a safe landing.