To know the criteria for choosing a rate of descent
To know the influence of the wind during a descent
Descent and Gliding Flights
The two values that will determine Descents are the RATE OF DESCENT or the AIRSPEED.
The choice between a descent or a glide will be in accordance with operational requirements:
Descent at cruising speed with a fixed rate of descent, engine power unchanged results in an increase in airspeed
Descents for the approach at a predetermined airspeed, reduced engine power with flaps extended and a given approach angle
Gliding is done without engine power and with V best glide (see chapter 8.5)
Power Reduction for CRUISE DESCENT
CRUISE DESCENT requires very little or no power reduction. In a cruise descent you get a higher airspeed than at straight and level cruise.
Technical Restrictions for Descent and Gliding
During Descent and Gliding the tecnical limitations of the aircraft must be respected. The airplane flight manual (AFM) contains information on technical restrictions such as engine cooling at low engine speed, the use of cooling flaps etc.
Human Limitations
Prolonged descents must be carried out with a constant descent rate of 50O FPM, which is tolerable for healthy people. Higher rates of descent may cause health problems. One should be especially be cautious with:
those with ear, sinus and internal ear problems
those with cardiac problems
the elderly and children
If you, or your passengers, have difficulty withstanding pressure changes, then you have to stop the descent and even possibly resume a climb.
Influence of the wind on the descent flight
These three descents take place over the same time period with the same indicated airspeed. The rate of descent remains unchanged. However the ground distance changes with the wind.
Adjusting the MIXTURE in descent flight
The mixture must be adjusted before and during the descent and the procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the AFM data.
IAS Correction
At high altitudes, following a decrease in air density, the TRUE AIR SPEED, TAS is greater than the INDICATED AIR SPEED, IAS. This has to be considered when calculating a descent.
Questions
What are the two parameters that control a descent?
Rate of descent
airspeed
What rate of descent is humanly bearable?
500 FPM
How does the tailwind affect your angle of descent?
The angle of descent relative to the ground becomes flatter
How does the headwind affect your rate of descent?
The rate of descent is not influenced
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