1000 FPM Descent?
02-13-2012, 10:21 AM
#1
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1000 FPM Descent?
The AIM says: Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1000 ft above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1500 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 fpm advise ATC. I have heard of pilots being given a hard time from check airmen on IOE for initiating a slow descent at less than 1000 fpm. I'm just looking for anyone who has the written reference on where is says to descend at 1000 fpm or greater. Thanks for the help
02-13-2012, 10:33 AM
#4
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A 3 degree descent is the norm but if it is a small altitude change 1000 fpm is generally used because it is easy on the passengers. A lot of newhires try to overthink things that really dont need to be worried about. You can fly the airplane anyway you want but if you start doing too many things your way instead of how the other 99.9% of people do it you run the risk of becoming "that guy." Usually your FOM will detail the correct way to fly the plane and the required descent rate.
02-13-2012, 10:45 AM
#6
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We usually don't descend any slower than 2,500 fpm unless it is a shallow descent or we are expecting a speed restriction. When we're super light in a 900 you can see as high as 4,000 without any overspeed issues. As somebody else said those numbers are for GA aircraft that are usually somewhere close to 200kts.
02-13-2012, 10:47 AM
#7
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Real helpful 172. Just looking for any written reference that says a descent should be made at least 1000 FPM. If your at FL380 300 miles from your destination and ATC says Descend and maintain FL340. If I descend between 500 fpm and 1000 fpm and a check airman says I need to do at least 1000 fpm If I say show me where it says that, what is he gonna show me?
02-13-2012, 11:01 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by dang
The AIM says: Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1000 ft above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1500 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 fpm advise ATC. I have heard of pilots being given a hard time from check airmen on IOE for initiating a slow descent at less than 1000 fpm. I'm just looking for anyone who has the written reference on where is says to descend at 1000 fpm or greater. Thanks for the help
02-13-2012, 11:01 AM
#9
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I think 172 was just referencing that we cant help you with this.
You need to thoroughly read your company manuals and see if company policy prohibits a descent less than 1000FPM. If it is not in there you then need to see if there is a FAR that prohibits a descent less than 1000 FPM (there isnt one).
My answer...ask the check airman what they would like to see and if its 1000FPM just go with it. The right seat of a crewed airplane is a special place and its a place where someone should pick their battles. 2-300 FPM is not a battle I feel like fighting.
You need to thoroughly read your company manuals and see if company policy prohibits a descent less than 1000FPM. If it is not in there you then need to see if there is a FAR that prohibits a descent less than 1000 FPM (there isnt one).
My answer...ask the check airman what they would like to see and if its 1000FPM just go with it. The right seat of a crewed airplane is a special place and its a place where someone should pick their battles. 2-300 FPM is not a battle I feel like fighting.
02-13-2012, 11:02 AM
#10
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unless something is in your ops manual, there is nothing that says you must descend at 1000ft or greater. In RVSM airspeed the aim tells you to climb or descend at 1000ft or less to avoid TA's for closure rate. Planning for higher rate descent are designed for better fuel efficiency.
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