The Flight Safety Foundation found that the inability of a flight crew to control key aircraft parameters (airspeed, altitude, rate of descent) was a major factor in 45% of a sample of 76 approach-and-landing accidents and serious incidents examined. Flight handling difficulties occurred in situations which arose from attempts to comply with inappropriate ATC clearances, sometimes compounded by adverse weather conditions and / or with the improper use of automation.

Definition

ATC speed control instructions that are incompatible with the distance to go and required vertical profile below FL100, taking account of any significant prevailing wind velocity throughout the height band.

Effect on Flight crew and Their Potential Response

If an abnormally high workload is needed to achieve the required flight path, the ability of a flight crew to maintain situational awareness can be affected.