Descent

Descent

Descent is a flight maneuver in which an aircraft’s altitude decreases, leading to a downward inclination. This maneuver allows the aircraft to descend towards its destination, with the “Top of Descent” being the point at which the aircraft usually begins its descent towards the runway.

In some cases, descent can be performed as an emergency measure in the event of rapid decompression. In such situations, an aircraft performs an emergency descent to an altitude below 10,000ft, where the oxygen levels in the air are enough to ensure passengers and crew can breathe unaided by supplemental oxygen.

Descent is a fundamental aspect of aviation and is a crucial maneuver for landing safely. Pilots must be trained to execute descents effectively, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers onboard. Additionally, technology such as the Flight Management System (FMS) and modern navigation aids have made descents more accurate, efficient and safer, contributing to a safer aviation industry overall.