B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 10000
Distraction; Workload; Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Company Policy; Procedure; Airspace Structure
Flew ILS 24R at LAX. ATC leveled us off at 6;000 FT MSL for traffic with speed at 210 KIAS for about 5 miles. This caused a rushed approach and landing; where we broke out at approx 1;500 FT. To get down we had to accelerate rapidly to be within parameters and turned off automation. At one point we discussed going around but all deviations were corrected or pointed out. I elected to land 30 flaps in lieu of 40 flaps as briefed since we were stabilized at that flap setting (30) and would not have been stabilized at 1;000 FT in landing configuration if we had selected flaps 40. We had to use drag devices; flaps and gear to get down on the entire approach at their upper limits vs. the lower limits.In retrospect; I wish that I had asked for a 360 turn or a breakout/rerun to slow things down. I allowed ATC to put me into a situation where I thought I could recover and still maintain all SOPs. In the future I now have some parameters outside the final approach fix to draw upon where I will say unable request 360 or vectors for new approach.
ATC leveled a B737-800 at 6;000 FT for traffic and once cleared for the ILS 24R the crew was rushed for the approach and landing preparation after become VMC at about 1;500 FT.