allows the pilot to set up for a predictable and successful landing. ![[AFH aiming vs touchdown point 1.png]] A stabilized approach is when the aircraft follows a linear descent path to the selected aiming point on the landing surface. This will occur when the aircraft is flown at a consistent speed and consistent rate of descent. The pilot should adjust pitch attitude to maintain the desired approach speed, and adjust power setting (airplane) or spoiler/dive brake setting (glider) to maintain the desired rate of descent. The point on the surface that the aircraft is stabilized to will appear stationary in the windscreen. ![[AFH stabilized approach.png]] Prior to setting up for landing, the pilot should select an aiming point that is appropriate based on the aircraft's performance, and the current conditions. The aiming point is where the aircraft would fly into the ground, if the descent was not stopped during the [[Normal and Crosswind Landing#Roundout]]. The aiming point should appear to remain vertically stationary in the windscreen. If the aiming point appears to move vertically up, the aircraft is too low on approach, and the rate of descent should be reduced. If the aiming point appears to move vertically down, the aircraft is too high, and the rate of descent should be increased. ![[AFH runway shape.png]] Additionally, the runway shape will appear to change if the pilot deviates from a stabilized approach. If the runway appears to get shorter and wider, the aircraft is too low on approach. If the runway appears to get longer and narrower, the aircraft is too high on approach.