Exercise 8 - Descending

Question 1

Types of Descent - Power On

Answer 1

• Descending with reduced engine power
• Can be gradual or steep, depending on airspeed, configuration, and power

Question 2

Types of Descent - High Speed

Answer 2

• En route descent
• Normal cruise airspeed, gradual descent
• Best practices limit this to low rates of descent (less than 500 fpm)
• Emergency situations where losing altitude is the goal, descending through hole in clouds, aircraft fire, etc.

Question 3

Types of Descent - Low Speed

Answer 3

• Normal approach to landing
• Usually involves the use of flaps to increase drag/improve visibility
• Best glide
• Power off approach, obstacle clearance, precision flying practice

Question 4

Types of Descent - Power Off

Answer 4

• Gliding
• Can be gradual or steep, depending on airspeed and configuration

Question 5

Descent Planning

Answer 5

• Must decide how quickly we want to descend
• If airspeed is kept constant, rate of descent is controlled by power
• Gradual descents are preferred
• Attitude = Airspeed
• Power = Rate of Descent

Question 6

Descent Procedure - Entry

Answer 6

• We use the acronym CLPAT
• Cockpit Check, Lookout, Power, Attitude, Trim
• Set power for descent
• Maintain altitude while slowing down
• Lower nose to maintain airspeed
• Trim to relieve pressure

Question 7

Descent Procedure - Maintaining and Adjusting

Answer 7

• Use pitch to maintain airspeed
• Use power to adjust rate of descent
• Keep wings level and maintain coordinated flight
• Maintain Situational Awareness, look for traffic, monitor altimeter

Question 8

Descent Procedure - Level Off

Answer 8

• We use the acronym PAT
• Apply power once desired cruise altitude reached
• Adjust pitch attitude to maintain altitude
• Trim to relieve control pressure

Question 9

Identifying the Touchdown Point

Answer 9

• Where our descent path reaches the ground
• Visually identifiable

Question 10

Controlling the Touchdown Point

Answer 10

• We can move it altering power

Question 11

Factors Affecting Descent Performance

Answer 11

• Any factor affecting the four forces of flight
• Airspeed, Power, Flaps, Landing Gear, Weight, Environment

Question 12

Factors Affecting Descent Performance - Flaps

Answer 12

• Add Lift
• Add Drag, steeper descent angle for same airspeed
• Nose-down attitude, better forward visibility

Question 13

Factors Affecting Descent Performance - Landing Gear

Answer 13

• Increase drag
• Steeper descent

Question 14

Factors Affecting Descent Performance - Weight

Answer 14

• Heavier aircraft will descend at a rate and steeper angle compared to light aircraft at the same speed
• Increased power required to descend at the same rate or angle

Question 15

Factors Affecting Descent Performance - Environment

Answer 15

• Wind
• Affects descent angle, but not descent rate

Question 16

Safety When Descending - Lookout

Answer 16

• Forward visibility is usually good, especially with flaps
• Take a good look around and below before beginning a descent

Question 17

Safety When Descending - Engine Considerations

Answer 17

Extended power-off descents can cause engines to loose too much heat, particularly in cold weather
- Engine warmings every 500 feet reduce the risk of engine damage (smoothly apply full power, then return to idle)
- Carburetor heat must be used as directed by the POH
- If mixture is leaned for cruise, enrich gradually during descent