Starting Descent

Chapter 8.2

Objectives

To know the procedure for the entering the descent

To know the various parameters of a descent

To know the criteria for choosing the descent parameters

LOOKOUT at the beginning of the descent

When passing from straight and level flight to descent, you must ensure by performing LOOKOUT that the airspace below and behind the airplane is clear for the new flightpath.

You can improve your view of the airspace beneath the airplane by performing small heading changes.

Choice of Descent Speed

Descent flights shall be executed at established speeds and shall correspond to operational requirements. For the use of light aircraft, different procedures and airspeeds are defined.

You will find in the AFM the descent speeds recommended by the manufacturer for descent flight, which are based on special criteria:

Va, Vno etc

Engine cooling

Example of calculation for a descent flight

For long-distance descent flights with a constant rate of descent and stabilized airspeed, the distance required for descent may be determined by a simple calculation.

Procedure Entry into DESCENT

DESCENT CHECK (for approach)

When the descent leads directly to an approach, then the APPROACH CHECK can be executed after the DESCENT CHECK. The early performance of these checks will alleviate the intense workload to come.

Various descent flights

Speed Controlled Descent

Various descent flights

Rate Controlled Descent

Various descent flights

Rate and Speed Controlled Descent

Questions

What is the logical sequence for manipulations when moving from a straight and level flight to a descent?

• Lookout
• Mixture set
• ATTITUDE
• POWER
• TRIM

What factors influence the choice of speed as well as the rate of descent?

• Loss of altitude and corresponding distance available

What should you watch out for during a descent flight in turbulent air?

• The airspeed