descent rate question.

[scubabri]

can anyone provide the reference for what descent rate to use when ATC asks you to decend and maintain?

thanks.

sb

 

[minitour]

can anyone provide the reference for what descent rate to use when ATC asks you to decend and maintain?

thanks.

sb

Isn't it something like the best you can do as far as rate (not talkin Vy) of climb/descent until within 1000' and then 500-1500fpm?

-mini

 

[scubabri]

Yah, but what is the reference? I can't find it in the FAR/AIM.

Isn't it something like the best you can do as far as rate (not talkin Vy) of climb/descent until within 1000' and then 500-1500fpm?

-mini

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

Chapter 4, Section 4 of the AIM.

"When ATC has not used the term "AT PILOT'S DISCRETION" nor imposed any climb or descent restrictions, pilots should initiate climb or descent promptly on acknowledgement of the clearance. Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1,000 feet above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1,500 fpm until the assigned altitude is reached. If at anytime the pilot is unable to climb or descend at a rate of at least 500 feet a minute, advise ATC. If it is necessary to level off at an intermediate altitude during climb or descent, advise ATC, except when leveling off at 10,000 feet MSL on descent, or 2,500 feet above airport elevation, (prior to entering a Class C or Class D surface area), when required for speed reduction."

Regards

 

[minitour]

haha...oops...Guess I didn't catch the "reference" part of the question...my bad...

 

[scubabri]

I musta read Chapter 4 a gazillion times and missed it each time.. doh!! Thanks..

sb

Hi...

Chapter 4, Section 4 of the AIM.

"When ATC has not used the term "AT PILOT'S DISCRETION" nor imposed any climb or descent restrictions, pilots should initiate climb or descent promptly on acknowledgement of the clearance. Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1,000 feet above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1,500 fpm until the assigned altitude is reached. If at anytime the pilot is unable to climb or descend at a rate of at least 500 feet a minute, advise ATC. If it is necessary to level off at an intermediate altitude during climb or descent, advise ATC, except when leveling off at 10,000 feet MSL on descent, or 2,500 feet above airport elevation, (prior to entering a Class C or Class D surface area), when required for speed reduction."

Regards

 

[Lead Sled]

Chapter 4, Section 4 of the AIM.

"When ATC has not used the term "AT PILOT'S DISCRETION" nor imposed any climb or descent restrictions, pilots should initiate climb or descent promptly on acknowledgement of the clearance. Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1,000 feet above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1,500 fpm until the assigned altitude is reached. If at anytime the pilot is unable to climb or descend at a rate of at least 500 feet a minute, advise ATC. If it is necessary to level off at an intermediate altitude during climb or descent, advise ATC, except when leveling off at 10,000 feet MSL on descent, or 2,500 feet above airport elevation, (prior to entering a Class C or Class D surface area), when required for speed reduction."

Don't assume that optimum rate means (as minitour stated) "Isn't it something like the best you can do as far as rate (not talkin Vy) of climb/descent until within 1000' and then 500-1500fpm?"

Optimum rate is kind of a nebulas term. The corporate jet I fly is capable of descending at over 6,000 fpm, but passenger comfort dictates that we use something less than that. (Due to deck angle, not cabin pressurization.) The same thing applies to non-pressurized aircraft. Most conscientious pilots will limit descents to somewhere around 500 fpm for the sake of their passenger's ears.

In the real world, most jet operators plan on something around a 3 degree descent path. At 450 to 500 knots, that's a descent rate around 2500 fpm plus/minus. If ATC needs/wants more, they'll let you know.

Lead Sled