5.16. Final Irregularities Depending on nature and magnitude of irregularity and aircraft flight parameters, correction and continued final may be possible. However, a go-around is always acceptable.

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5.16.1. Low (Drug-in) Final. Aircraft below proper glidepath.

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5.16.1.1. Causes.

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5.16.1.1.1. Early descent on straight-in approach.

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5.16.1.1.2. Long perch coupled with normal pitch and descent rate. Altitude rolling out on final is as planned, but long perch leads to longer than desired final.

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5.16.1.1.3. Excessive altitude loss from diving final turn.

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5.16.1.1.4. Failure to maintain proper glidepath.

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5.16.1.2. Effects. Normal power settings are too low to maintain airspeed on shallower glidepath. Airspeed and (or) altitude may decrease.

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5.16.1.3. Recovery.

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5.16.1.3.1. Add power, level off, and intercept proper glidepath.

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5.16.1.3.2. If too low or slow, go around. Avoid obstacles.

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5.16.2. Steep Final. Aircraft above proper glidepath:

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5.16.2.1. Causes.

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5.16.2.1.1. Too close to runway on inside downwind.

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5.16.2.1.2. Early perch.

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5.16.2.1.3. Level final turn.

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5.16.2.2. Effects. High descent rate with low power setting. Low power setting, coupled with the pitch change required to intercept normal glidepath, could result in rapid decrease in airspeed and high sink rate. If not corrected, this power-deficient situation could result in a stall or firm touchdown.

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5.16.2.3. Recovery.

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5.16.2.3.1. Go around if sink rate is too high or if it is not practical to intercept normal glidepath with a normal descent rate.

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5.16.2.3.2. Use slightly higher than normal descent rates as soon as deviation is recognized. Use power as required to control airspeed in descent and maintain airspeed when on normal glidepath.

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5.16.3. Slow Final. Increased pitch attitude is required to maintain lift as airspeed is reduced.

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5.16.3.1. Cause. Improper glidepath and (or) power setting.

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5.16.3.2. Effects.

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5.16.3.2.1. Higher than normal pitch attitude. Inaccurate perception of the proper glidepath.

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5.16.3.2.2. Increased AOA and increased likelihood of stall, especially in gusty wind conditions.

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5.16.3.2.3. Increasing pitch leads aim point to shift down the runway.

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5.16.3.3. Recovery.

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5.16.3.3.1. Apply power at an altitude high enough to reestablish the correct airspeed and attitude. If altitude is insufficient, go-around.

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5.16.3.3.2. Correct aim point and glidepath to reestablish proper airspeed.

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