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3 Answers

What is the source for the “rule” forbidding configuration changes below 200ft AGL?

Asked by: 1769 views FAA Regulations

I keep hearing from countless instructors, and even some DPE's, that in single engine aircraft, no configuration changes are allowed below 200AGL (i.e. flaps).

Some have also stated that this is when a single engine is supposed to be stabilized, despite the 500/1000AGL rule for VMC/IMC approaches respectively (https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2016/media/SE_Topic_16-11.pdf) .

What's confusing is this is used from instrument approaches to power-off 180's, yet I've heard people use the last notch of flaps to "bump" them to their point.

Does anyone have a source on this 200' rule? Any help is appreciated!

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3 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Oct 11, 2018

    This might be good advice, but there is no such rule.

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  2. Best Answer


    KDS on Oct 11, 2018

    There isn’t a “rule” per sei. It’s just a guideline. The reality is it all depends on the mission, the situation, the aircraft, and the pilot. That isn’t to say it isn’t a good idea to get configured well in advance and stay in that configuration (like at the outer marker on an ILS), but different situations can justify different procedures. That’s why they still put pilots in airplanes. The pilot supplies the good judgment needed for the situation.

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  3. R. Anderson on Oct 13, 2018

    Never heard of a rule regarding no configuration changes below 200 ft. AGL. Gear, for example, on takeoff (light a/c) should be raised when landing back on the runway is no longer possible – this may be below 200′ agl.

    Situations may dictate that the pilot change configuration below 200 ft.

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