What should the thrust lever position be at 500ft HAT during a stabilized approach?

During a stabilized approach, the thrust lever position at 500 feet Height Above Threshold (HAT) should indeed be above idle. This position allows the aircraft to maintain the necessary energy and control margin to ensure a smooth and stable descent toward the runway. By keeping the thrust levers above idle, pilots are prepared to manage the aircraft's configuration and respond to any potential changes in conditions, such as wind shear or unexpected altitude deviations.

Maintaining thrust above idle helps support the desired sink rate and approach speed, contributing to a controlled and safe landing process. The aircraft's systems can assist in managing these parameters correctly, but the fundamental practice of having thrust above idle enables the crew to fine-tune performance as needed during the final stages of the approach.

Other positions like idle would not provide the necessary power for proper descent management, potentially leading to issues if the aircraft were to encounter unexpected changes in the environment. Thus, the choice of having thrust above idle aligns with standard practices for ensuring a stable approach.