Smooth Way Down

Editorial Staff

Monday, May 22, 2023 at 10:01 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Vertical Navigation (VNAV) enables a smooth, continuous descent profile during instrument approaches, offering a more relaxed alternative to the "dive 'n drive" method for step-down altitudes.
VNAV systems, such as in the Garmin G1000, calculate a precise glidepath to meet all altitude crossing restrictions on an approach, setting up the aircraft perfectly for glideslope intercept.
Pilots activate the approach, set appropriate altitude restrictions (matching ATC clearances), and utilize the autopilot to follow the calculated VNAV profile, managing only airspeed.
The system provides visual and audible cues, guiding the aircraft through multiple fixes with a continuous descent until transitioning to a standard glideslope capture for the final portion of the ILS approach.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Southern California, the land of Zen mountain centers, surfer vibes, and the Big Lebowski, is one laid-back place. Is there a better spot then, to introduce the most relaxed and no-big-deal of all arrival descents, the vertical navigation profile?

You’ve just completed a retreat in Palm Springs, finding inspiration for your big screenplay, and now you need to fly back from Palm Springs International (KPSP) to John Wayne Airport (KSNA) to drop it on a few bigwigs’ desks.