Which of the following best defines a stabilized approach for a narrowbody aircraft?

• A. On the correct flight path, at the proper speed, configured with gear/flaps by around 1000 ft AGL, and with a steady descent rate.
• B. The aircraft should remain in level flight with flaps retracted until touchdown.
• C. The aircraft has landed and is rolling out on the runway.
• D. The aircraft is in a climb with gear and flaps retracted.

Answer: (A)

A stabilized approach means the aircraft is on the intended final approach path, at an appropriate landing speed, and in the landing configuration, by a designated altitude, with a steady, controlled descent. For a narrowbody, this typically means being on the correct flight path, at or near the target approach speed, with gear and flaps extended, by around 1000 ft above the ground, and maintaining a smooth descent rate. Reaching this state ensures the crew has the runway environment in sight and can continue to a safe landing without abrupt changes.

The other scenarios describe later or different phases of flight: remaining level with flaps retracted until touchdown would not be a proper approach since you need to descend to land; having landed and rolling out is after touch down; being in a climb with gear and flaps retracted is the takeoff/climb phase, not an approach.