Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category › IX. Emergency Operations › Task A. Emergency Descent

CA.IX.A.S4

Skill

Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Airplane Flying Handbook p. 16-18
Chapter 16: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes › Jet Airplane Descent and Approach › Descent Energy Management
minute The exponential increase in parasite drag at higher speeds has a significant impact on both the rate of descent and the descent angle. Using the sample numbers, a 20% increase in airspeed from 210 to 250 knots, results ... increase in the descent rate. However, a 20% increase in airspeed from 250 to 300 knots results in a 100% increase in the descent rate. Therefore, when at a higher altitude than desired in a descent, lowering the nose…
Airplane Flying Handbook PDF page 357
Chapter 18: Emergency Procedures › Emergency Descents
radio call announcing descent intentions may be appropriate to alert other aircraft in the area. When initiating the descent, a bank of approximately 30 to 45° should be established to maintain positive load factors (G forces) on the airplane. Emergency ... descent training should be performed as recommended by the manufacturer, including the configuration and airspeeds. Except when prohibited by the manufacturer, the power should be reduced to idle, and the propeller control (if equipped) should be placed…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 3-20
Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Descents and Descending Turns
Descents and Descending Turns When an airplane enters a descent, its attitude changes from level flight to flight with a descent profile. [Figure 3-22] In a descent, weight no longer acts solely perpendicular to the flightpath. Since induced drag ... increase in total thrust and a power reduction is required to balance the forces if airspeed is to be maintained. Figure 3-22. Descent indications. The pilot should know the engine power settings, natural horizon pitch attitudes, and flight instrument…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 16-17
Chapter 16: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes › Jet Airplane Descent and Approach › Descent Planning
Descent Planning For a typical idle power descent, the top of descent (TOD), point A in figure 16-14, is determined by altitude, adjusted for wind. Jet descent profiles normally approximate a 3 degree path, with some time/distance required ... deceleration in level flight. While exact distances will vary, having a descent plan will put the pilot well ahead of the jet and in a better position to monitor the automation. Figure 16-14. Typical descent profile. For a straight…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 3-21
Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Glides
Some characteristics of the minimum safe airspeed descent are a steeper-than-normal descent angle, and the excessive power that may be required to produce acceleration at low airspeed should “mushing” and/or an excessive rate of descent be allowed ... develop. ⦁ Emergency descent—some airplanes have a specific procedure for rapidly losing altitude. The AFM/POH specifies the procedure. In general, emergency descent procedures are high drag, high airspeed procedures requiring a specific airplane configuration (such as power to idle, propellers…