Pattern Speeds

[ChrisM]

Hey,
In a 737, when do I start slowing down to approach speed.  I normally do 220KIAS until a couple of miles from the localzer then 170KIAS to the outer maker and approach speed after that. Is that right?

Regards.....Chris

[jrpilot]

ATC will determine this....but I believe they try and keep you at 20 miles out 220 IAS and 10 miles out 180-170 IAS..then you slow down at your rate for your landing

[Saratoga]

Depends on traffic, time of day, altitude, runway, approach method, and weather. If there is a prop 5 miles in front of you, they are gonna slow you way down. If there is a storm headed for the airport, you may floor it to the runway and right as you capture the G/S throw out spoilers and flaps and landing gear at their maximum speeds and barely make your reference speed by the threshold.