A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 6909
Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure; Weather
After being delayed due to low ceilings in CYYZ we were finally descending via the Nuber1 arrival for RWY 15R. Shortly after receiving the clearance to descend to 11000 we were then assigned RWY 15L. Leaving between FL210 and 17000 or so we were given a left 360 degree turn for spacing and then direct to IKBAT - now on the transition to RWY 05. Now three approach briefs in the space of 15 mins. We then received two more left 360 degree turns while descending in heavy rain and moderate turbulence with a clearance to 7000. After the third 360 degree turn we were then transferred to the final controller and proceeded inbound for the ILS 05. The last several ATIS showed winds at approximately 090 to 100 at 5-10 kts and the final controller mentioned the same with an RVR of 6000+ for RWY 05. When cleared for the approach we were at 3000 to intercept the G/S and I noticed the winds had picked up to a 50 kt direct tailwind (F/O was flying by the way). We were assigned 160 kts and began to configure at approximately 2000 AGL. At 1500 ft the wind was a 30 kts direct tailwind and we had flaps 3 - IAS speed had increased at this point (Thrust Idle) to 170-175kts prohibiting final flaps just yet. The F/O did a great job aggressively trying to slow the A/C as we were concerned of getting a flaps 3 overspeed. As I knew from the ATIS and the controllers (TWR now) the winds were to die off very soon to less than 10 kts. Inside of 1000 ft we were just getting the airspeed to put in final flaps (Full) and were finally stabilized and on speed between 500-800 ft. The winds were now at the reported 090 at 8 kts or so inside of 500ft. The total wind shift was approximately 90 degrees (from direct tailwind) to a right crosswind - losing 40kts in the space of 1500 ft or so. The reason I elected to continue the approach was 1. Knowing about the wind shift and decrease as reported on the ATIS and from ATC. 2. Seeing a positive trend in the wind. 3. Being prepared for the missed approach (at 500ft) IF the winds and IAS stayed as they were earlier in the approach. We landed uneventfully in the touchdown zone and on speed - RWY 05 after breaking out before minimums.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
A319 flight crew reported an unstabilized approach to CYYZ due to shifting winds.