Climb, Enroute, & Descent

Question 1

Climb Gradient (Feet per NM to Feet per min.)

Answer 1

Groundspeed x feet per NM/60.

Example: (120 kts x 200 ft/nm) ÷ 60 = 400 ft/min

Question 2

To reduce effects of headwind in climb

Answer 2

Climb at cruise climb

Question 3

To take advantage of tailwind in climb

Answer 3

Climb at V_y

Question 4

Angle of Bank for Standard Rate Turn

Answer 4

10% of TAS + 5

Example 1: (120 x .10) + 5 = 17°

or

Example 2: (120 x .10) + = 19°

Any airsped above 100 kts just drop last digit and add either 5 or 7

Question 5

Pivotal Altitude

Answer 5

(TAS)²/11.3 (knots)

OR

(TAS)²/15 (MPH)

Question 6

Time to Station

Answer 6

(60 x Time between bearings)/bearing change = time

Example: (60 x 6 min)/10° = 36 min. to station

Question 7

Distance to Station

Answer 7

(TAS x Min. flown)/degree of bearing change = distance

Example: (160 x 6 min/10° = 96 miles)

Question 8

Time to Descend

Answer 8

(Altitude to Lose/Rate of Descent) = Time to Descend

Question 9

Miles to Descend

Answer 9

(Flight Level/3) = NM

Example: (120/3) = 40 NM

Question 10

3° Glideslope

Answer 10

Half your ground speed and add a zero

Example: (90 ÷ 2 = 45) x 10 = 450 fpm

Question 11

Calculating Visual Descent Point (VDP) Distance Method

Answer 11

HAT (height above touchdown)/300

Example: (480/300) = 1.6 NM from threshold

Question 12

Calculating Visual Descent Point (VDP) Time Method

Answer 12

HAT x 10%

Example: 480 x 10% = 48 seconds to subtract from MAP timing