SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:56 am Post subject: Descent rate

What are the average descent rates from high flight levels... above FL300
for....
737s
747s...
767...
777...?

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:42 am Post subject: descent profile

Hi Blackalpha.

It varies depending on the pilot. I would consider an "normal" descent rate for any heavy aircraft about 2000ft/min. One day, with no speed restrictions from ATC, we did 4000ft/min. and it felt no different.

The "descent profile" is calculated during flight before the descent, so the pilots know exactly when to start descending and what descent rate to use. The calculation is based on things like distance to destination, aircraft speed, cruise altitude etc.

If you do The ATP pilot Descent Lesson, it makes it much clearer.

Bromster.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:14 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Would higher rates cause any discomfort to passengers?

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:44 pm Post subject:

Usually no.

Once the G's of the initial descent has passed, it's 1G no matter if at -2000 feet/min or -5000. The only discomfort is if the aircraft is in free fall or that the pressure difference in your ears occur sooner.