At 500 feet AFE during a stabilized approach, what should the target airspeed be?

The target airspeed at 500 feet AFE during a stabilized approach is VREF plus 5 knots. This choice is correct because maintaining VREF plus 5 knots ensures that the aircraft is adequately configured for landing while providing a margin of safety above the minimum required landing speed. This speed provides a buffer to account for potential fluctuations in airspeed due to wind changes or turbulence, ensuring stable flight characteristics as the aircraft prepares for landing.

Other options, like V2 or Vr minus 5 knots, do not align with established best practices for a stabilized approach at this critical phase of flight. V2 is the takeoff safety speed, and while it is crucial during the takeoff phase, it is not applicable at 500 feet during descent. Vr, or rotation speed, is also related to takeoff and does not serve as a target airspeed during landing approach. Maintaining a speed that deviates from the VREF standard could compromise safety and control when approaching the runway. Hence, aiming for VREF plus 5 knots during a stabilized approach is an industry-standard practice to ensure a safe landing phase.