Going Downhill Fast

Keeping your instrument-flying skills sharp is like high school football. No, not the social activities after the game; we mean the combination of drills and scrimmage. This sim challenge is a bit of both. The scrimmage part is that youll practice in the context of a (nearly) complete flight. The drill part is that flight is focused on one skill: the anvil descent.

jwanwest

Monday, April 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article presents an instrument flying simulator challenge focused on mastering "anvil descents," which are rapid, controlled descents essential for managing excess altitude/groundspeed, navigating strong tailwinds, or avoiding hazardous atmospheric conditions.
The challenge involves two IFR approach scenarios that test a pilot's ability to precisely calculate Top of Descent, utilize GPS/VNAV tools, manage aircraft energy and configuration, and transition smoothly from a steep descent to a stabilized approach.
Success requires meticulous planning, accurate execution to hit specific crossing altitudes, and strategic decision-making, including contingency planning for missed approaches and adapting to dynamic wind conditions.

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Keeping your instrument-flying skills sharp is like high school football. No, not the social activities after the game; we mean the combination of drills and scrimmage. This sim challenge is a bit of both. The scrimmage part is that you’ll practice in the context of a (nearly) complete flight. The drill part is that flight is focused on one skill: the anvil descent.

Why Would You Ever?

Sometimes you just have too much altitude, groundspeed, or both. That’s groundspeed, not airspeed, because instrument procedures are built on angles, not rates. An approach leg descending from 3000 to 1000 in five miles is a four-degree descent. You could do that at 100 knots and about 650 fpm, or 200 knots and about 1300 fpm, but it’s still four degrees downhill.