B737 Descent Planning

[CesnaCaptn]

What speed and configuration do you use when descending abeam the field? If say, you're passing over SMO (abeam LAX) at 7,000', and you don't know your sequence. I've seen 250kts until cleared visual, and I've seen flaps 10 at maneuvering speed. I just wanted to get other pilot's opinion, and I knew FI was the place to get it.

 

[GuppyWN]

250kts unless I have a reason to think I'm next. I don't want to create a problem for ATC by making a gap in front of me that they didn't expect or cause a gap to close behind me that now they have to fix.

If I think I'm next I'll have the other guy ask. If I hear I'm next I'm leveling off and tossing everything out.

Gup

 

[MTV]

250 kts or less based on what I need to make the next fix or the marker on profile. With that bieng said, as fast as I can without running the next guy over or slowing the guy behind me down. The TCAS is a great tool to tell you your seperation with the guy in front of you. Hope this helps.

 

[AA717driver]

Whatever you do, DON'T F'ING SLOW DOWN!!! TC

 

[scoreboard]

If ATC is busy, and they usually are, I start to descent from 10000 to 7000 at 250 if not previously slowed, then slow to 210. If I think I'm next, I'll bleed the speed by slowing descent. No sense going fast awy from the airport. As I'm slowing, I'm usually told to slow. I do this to avoid the boards/rubber speed brake option.

 

[HalinTexas]

I slow to 210 for the above reason. Why race away from the runway? It's all about time to the runway. Once sequenced in traffic to the loc, then you will be slowed. It will then take longer to get to the runway. I've rarely been taken more than about 6 miles out.

 

[scoreboard]

AA717 makes a good point, but staying fast applys for the straight in arrivals from the East.

 

[Whine Lover]

I just do whatever I "Effin" feel like at the moment.

Who cares about the friggin' Civil Servants in the darkened room, or the Jag- Offs in front of or behind you?

I never do it the same way twice.

You guys are over-thinking this Krap.

Just FLY the Fargin' Jet...


YKW

 

[m80drvr]

I just do whatever I Effin' feel like at the moment...

Who cares about the friggin' Civil Servants in the darkened room, or the jag offs in front or behind me?

And, I never do it the same way twice. That's why I am a "Jet Pilot".

You guys are over-thinking this Krap. I bet you actually READ Company Manuals. Don't You?


YKW

I sort of agree with Whine. Do what it takes but I never go faster than the next flap speed. IE, Flaps 1 in the bus is 230KIAS flaps 2 is 200KIAS. If I'm flaps up I go 230 if ATC needs it but otherwise I go 200, the flaps 2 speed. This works for me in case I get slammed I can use the flaps to help slow down and get down. I learned from a captain long ago that there is NO reason to go FAST while heading away from the airport.

Do what your comfort level dictates. If that is 250 go for it, if it is 180 cause you are new in the plane then that should be your speed. Your biggest mistake would be to let ATC fly your plane into a situation that is outside your comfort zone. You are driving, don't worrie about ATC or the guy behind you (to a point). They will figure it out. Youe speeds will rise with your experience in the plane.

 

[800Dog]

I slow to 210 for the above reason. Why race away from the runway? It's all about time to the runway. Once sequenced in traffic to the loc, then you will be slowed. It will then take longer to get to the runway. I've rarely been taken more than about 6 miles out.

And you have never been to the ATL. 22 mile finals are quite common!! Told short approach while on downwind = 230kts, flaps five or 200 kts, flaps 10, gear down and looking for a VB to the runway of 7.0 or less on the descent page.

 

[UALfurloughee]

250 to the airport, 210 away and slowing if there isn't a huge final... that's on the 300/500 - don't know about VNAV stuff that the later planes may help with.

 

[scoreboard]

At 210 going 180 away from the field, u can start a turn back while throwing everything out, play the configuration to hit 1000ft configured onspeed. Good luck, we are all counting on you.

 

[Old School]

I like to do 350K until asked to "say speed?"

 

[ATRCAPT]

Unless told otherwise by ATC I try to stay as fast as I can for as long as I can. On a visual via the downwind I generally plan to be at 210 by the 45 degree point. That being said, in LAX all my rules of thumb can out the window in a heartbeat!

 

[m80drvr]

I like to do 350K until asked to "say speed?"

Then like the rest of us, you lie and say "250, What do you need sir".

 

[AA717driver]

AA717 makes a good point, but staying fast applys for the straight in arrivals from the East.

You mean not everyone arrives in LAX from the East? TC

P.S.--Actually, I was aiming my statement at my corporate bretheren who allow the autospeed to slow to 150 several miles outside the marker.

 

[SuperFLUF]

Min manuvering for 0 flaps. Fuel isn't cheap.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

If I'm abeam LAX at 10,000, cleared for the visual...I pull the speedbrakes, landing gear down and nail 250 kts....that makes me come down like a rock....level off at 2500...bleed off the speed...turn base...configure...hit JETSA on speed....

Tejas

 

[HighSpeedClimb]

I love watching guys fly away from the airport at 250 kts.. As if....