SkyWest Initial Maneuvers Training (IMT) 1 Practice Test

The important idea here is stabilized approach criteria. By 500 ft height above the touchdown, you must have the appropriate approach airspeed established and ready to fly the remainder of the final approach. Setting the correct approach airspeed means choosing a speed that provides safe energy management and maneuver margin for the conditions. When gusts are present, you adjust that target airspeed by the gust factor so that, even with wind-induced fluctuations, you stay within safe limits and maintain a stable path toward the runway. The other items—landing gear and flaps configuration, thrust position, or having the runway in sight—are not the universal requirement at this exact point. Gear and flaps may be set earlier or later depending on procedures, idle thrust isn’t a general criterion for stabilization by this altitude, and you can have the runway out of sight on a precision approach until arrival at the appropriate decision or visibility point.