Final Approach Speed, VREF

We have certainly seen many a time this phrase, either on the FMC, or on the learning center of FS itself. So, we re going to see what 's it this all about.


First and foremost, a good landing means a good approach. And the key to a fairly "good" approach is PLANNING. In aviation we have a moto : "Always try to be 5 minutes ahead of the aircraft", that means calm and accurate predictions for the little time ahead. So, we need to already have planned on our FMC once the ATC advises us that we are cleared to execute the ILS or whatever else. Most people in Flight Simulator argue that we can arrange to have the desired approach speed a few metres before the runway... WRONG... The VREF must be set on the long final, that means anout 8-10 miles from the runway, or when entering the ILS. The upper speed limit when cleared for ILS is usually considered to be a 230 IAS speed. There is nothing wrong, as when we enter the ILS and start our approach, we can easily bring our aircraft down to this speed within a single minute, with the aid of ultimate airplane configuration, that means flaps, trim, Gear etc. Take me for instance: I always intercept the ILS with my 736, whose VREF flactuates from 132 kts to 145 kts., at the begining of the glide slope, established on the Localizer, with a speed of 180-200 kts. In about 30 seconds I have the airplane fully configured for landing: Gear Down, Flaps FULL, trim set, and my VREF speed.

VREF speed does not refer on last minute configuration. The purpose of this topic, is to make clear that our final approach speed has to be set and maintained once on FINAL, not on the last few meters DME from the threshold, as in most online cases, for reasons of hurry any pilot may have. Our purpose is to make it "as real as it gets", not to always come out in a rush!! ;-)
Keep the skies clear and blue....