What should a pilot do if the rate of descent exceeds a certain limit during a stabilized approach?

During a stabilized approach, it is critical for pilots to maintain a proper rate of descent to ensure safety and precision as they prepare for landing. Exceeding a predetermined rate of descent limit indicates that the aircraft may not be in a controlled descent and could lead to instability. If this excessive rate of descent persists for more than a few seconds, it compromises the structural integrity of the aircraft and increases the risk of a hard landing or loss of control.

Thus, the appropriate action for the pilot is to execute a go-around if the excessive descent rate continues. This decision allows the pilot to safely abort the landing attempt, regain control of the aircraft, and establish a more stable approach configuration. This choice prioritizes the safety of the flight and conforms to best practices in flight operations, particularly under Part 135 regulations, which emphasize crew resource management and safety in commercial operations.

In contrast, simply continuing the approach as planned disregards the safety implications of maintaining a proper descent rate. Adjusting the approach angle or slowing down to reduce the descent rate could be considered mitigating actions in certain situations but may not effectively address a stabilized approach's critical safety concerns.