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Mastering Descent Is an Art Form

There's much skill involved when it comes to getting down quickly and safely.

When it comes to learning powered descents, it is best to begin with a constant rate descent. [Adobe Stock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots are taught various descent maneuvers, from controlled powered descents to critical emergency procedures, all emphasizing safety and aircraft control.
  • Key techniques include demonstrating power-off best glide for emergency situations, executing constant rate/airspeed descents, and performing steep spirals for confined areas.
  • The article also details rapid descents for emergencies like depressurization or fire, and the use of forward slips to increase descent rate or steepen the approach for landing.
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“How do we get down?” 

“Bring the power to idle, and gravity will do the rest.”

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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