Maximum descent rate for a stabilized approach at 1,000 fpm?

• A. 2,000 fpm
• B. 500 fpm
• C. 1,500 fpm
• D. 1,000 fpm

Answer: (D)

A stabilized approach means you’re on the proper flight path, configured correctly, and descending at a controlled rate so you can land smoothly. From 1,000 feet above the runway, the standard guideline is to keep the sink rate to no more than about 1,000 feet per minute. Maintaining this rate gives you enough time and margin to manage airspeed, power, and configuration, and to correct any small deviations without overreacting. Descent rates higher than that risk an unstable approach and last-minute corrections near the runway, while rates significantly lower than that can indicate an overly shallow path that isn’t optimal for a smooth, timely landing. So the maximum descent rate to stay within a stabilized approach is 1,000 fpm.