At what altitude should the aircraft be in the final landing configuration during a stabilized approach?

During a stabilized approach, best practices dictate that the aircraft should be in the final landing configuration at 1000 feet above the touchdown zone elevation (TDZE). This is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, being configured and stabilized at this altitude allows the pilots sufficient time to assess the approach and make any necessary adjustments before reaching the runway. It provides a safety buffer, ensuring that the aircraft is on the correct glide path and allows for corrections without entering a critical low altitude where recovery may be more difficult.

Secondly, the aircraft's configuration at this point helps to optimize performance. This includes ensuring that the flaps are set correctly for landing, and the engines are properly configured for descent. The combination of a stabilized aircraft along with appropriate configuration at this altitude facilitates a smoother landing process and enhances the overall safety of the approach.

Considering the other altitudes presented, being at 500 feet may not provide enough time for the necessary checks or corrections, while 1500 or 2000 feet may be unnecessarily high for final configuration, potentially leading to a less effective management of the approach profile. Thus, 1000 feet is the ideal altitude for final configuration, aligning with standard operating procedures and industry best practices.