How do pilots know when to start descending?

Question: How do pilots know when to descend to land on the assigned runway at the correct speed? Answer: Pilots plan the descent based on the wind and air traffic flow. Working in partnership with air traffic control, the descent is executed allowing adequate distance to descend and line up with the proper runway.



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A good rule of thumb is to allow yourself two minutes for each 1,000 feet of altitude you need to lose. So, if you're cruising at 10,000 feet above field elevation, start descending 20 minutes before your planned arrival.

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In aviation, the rule of three or 3:1 rule of descent is a rule of thumb that 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) of travel should be allowed for every 1,000 feet (300 m) of descent. For example, a descent from flight level 350 would require approximately 35x3=105 nautical miles.

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The center controller knows when to start you down, and will normally issue a descent clearance before you get to TOD, either to descend as soon as instructed for separation purposes, or at your discretion. If at your discretion, you are then free to follow the Vnav guidance.

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A: Normally an airliner will begin its descent around 100 to 120 miles from the destination (assuming the cruising altitude is above 30,000 feet). The point of initial descent varies depending on the cruise altitude, the amount of traffic going to your destination and weather conditions.

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During the dispatch phase of the flight, the pilots are provided data on forecast winds and temperature for normal cruise levels of the aircraft. The pilots can then input these data into the FMS and then once in the air the FMS calculates the most optimum altitude based on the input data.

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Descend at the optimum rate for the aircraft being flown until 1,000 feet above the assigned altitude, then descend at a rate between 500 and 1,500 fpm to the assigned altitude. If at any time, other than when slowing to 250 KIAS at 10,000 feet MSL, the pilot cannot descend at a rate of at least 500 fpm, advise ATC.

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Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. In aviation, the rule of three or 3:1 rule of descent is a rule of thumb that 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) of travel should be allowed for every 1,000 feet (300 m) of descent.

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Turbulence from Convection Currents and Obstructions. Convection currents cause the bumpiness experienced by pilots flying at low altitudes in warmer weather. On a low flight over varying surfaces, the pilot will encounter updrafts over pavement or barren places and downdraft over vegetation and water.

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The 1 in 60 rule states that if you're off course by 1NM after 60 miles flown, you have a 1-degree tracking error. Time to correct that heading! Another tip: If you're 60 miles away from a VOR, and you're off course by one degree, you're off course by one mile.

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The Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) outlines requirements for FAA Part 135 certificated carriers offering commercial air transport using aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight between 12,500 pounds (5,670 kg) and 100,309.3 pounds (45,500 kg).

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(1) A rest required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be scheduled for or reduced to a minimum of 8 hours if the flight crewmember is given a rest period of at least 10 hours that must begin no later than 24 hours after the commencement of the reduced rest period.

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If any problems occur with the engine or wings, the crew can see it out of those tiny round windows in a cabin. If the aircraft needs to be evacuated, passengers and the whole crew is able to see which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation.

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Make shortly after landing, once the engine noise has subsided. “Ladies and gentlemen, [Airline Name] welcomes you to [city]. The local time is [time]. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate.

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Whether flying at night or during the day, pilots need to see some kind of horizon. They use this to determine the airplane's attitude. At night pilots will turn their gaze from outside to inside and use the artificial horizon. The artificial horizon is normally a simply globe split into two hemispheres.

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