Fly like a fighter: Down we go...

(AOPA Online, 12/30, L. Brown) "...Aside from drag devices, fighters also have the option of performing a low-power but high-G descending spiral to keep the airspeed under control while making a rapid descent. But, alas, not all of these options are available in our general aviation airplanes. From cruise at 8,000 feet to 12,000 feet msl, would you consider ripping your throttle to idle to expedite your descent? Not a good idea since shock cooling a piston engine is not a healthy choice. Most GA airplanes don’t have speed brakes, and most already have the gear extended. We do have an added trick that doesn’t work as well in fighters--the forward slip. Overall, though, what is your best option? Follow the guidance of “proper prior planning prevents pretty poor performance” and you will pre-plan your descent point in your aircraft for your particular flight that day. If you do get behind, then go ahead and make a 360-degree turn (or two) to allow you to descend comfortably and not rush your arrival..."

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This article reminds me of the knife-edge spiral some skydive dropzone pilots use in Cessna 182s. Close cowl flaps, set power to 15, bank to ~85, kick full opposite rudder, and adjust attitude using aileron (not elevator) to stay in yellow arc, adjust g's using elevator to hold about 3.5 on the meter. This is the fastest way to get down short of using a drag chute plus speedbrakes. It is faster than forward slipping or a full-flap descent. Shock cooling does not occur using good power management technique as any drop zone owner knows, although a digital engine meter helps fine tune it. Many drop zone Cessnas have ten thousand hours on the same engine doing this with no problem. I had a thread on it some time ago, see below. You do not want to do it without a good bit of practice because it involves pretty fine adjustments of attitude, speed, and power. Also, never attempt without proper training, parachute, and g-meter lest you overstress the airframe and find yourself without one.

Knife Edge