VAPP

VAPP is the target speed flown on final approach to landing. It is derived from the landing reference speed (Vref) - itself calculated at 1.23 times the stall speed in the landing configuration - and includes corrections for the reported surface wind and any gusts. The standard additive is typically half the headwind component plus the full gust increment, subject to a maximum addition defined in the aircraft’s performance documentation. VAPP ensures that the aircraft has adequate energy to handle wind variations close to the ground while not arriving excessively fast, which would compromise stopping performance. On Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft, VAPP is the managed speed target for the approach and is set in the MCDU for the FMGS to target automatically. The system allows the crew to manually adjust VAPP within defined limits if conditions require. On Boeing aircraft, an Approach Speed is similarly calculated and set as a target on the mode control panel or speed intervention. The target speed is depicted on the PFD speed tape with a reference bug, and the autothrottle maintains it throughout the final approach segment. Stabilisation criteria for most airlines require the aircraft to be at VAPP - within defined tolerances - by 1,000 feet above field elevation in IMC and 500 feet in VMC.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

Virtual pilots on VACA should calculate or look up VAPP before beginning the approach and set it in the FMS or manually on the speed tape. Most high-fidelity aircraft add-ons will compute VAPP automatically once the landing weight and wind data are entered. Flying a stable, on-speed approach to VAPP is one of the key metrics for a quality PIREP landing, and arriving at the threshold within a few knots of the target is a mark of good technique.

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Related Terms

• VREF - Reference Speed
• TOD - Top of Descent
• STAR - Standard Terminal Arrival Route