EGLL Continuos Decend

[BYOD]

Always thought in terminal area minimum descend rate be 500 fpm. In view off prefered continuos descend profile in Heathrow does this still apply? Can the ATC types enlighten. Thanks

[dontdoit]

No minimum descent rate in the London TMA when below Transition Altitude. UK AIP refers. CDA easy to achieve.

[BYOD]

Thanks, and whats the minimum ROD from FL to Transition. Thanks

[eyeinthesky]

The AIP Gen Section (near the beginning, but I can't remember the exact paragraph) calls for a minimum of 500FPM climb or descent unless you tell ATC. Of course, if you need more than 500FPM to make level restrictions, you should do that!

[Gary Lager]

UK AIP ENR 1.1.3 Gen Flight Procs Section 2.2

2.2 Minimum Rates of Climb and Descent

2.2.1 In order to ensure that controllers can accurately predict flight profiles to maintain standard vertical separation between aircraft, pilots of aircraft commencing a climb or descent in accordance with an ATC Clearance should inform the controller if they anticipate that their rate of climb or descent during the level change will be less than 500 ft per minute, or if at any time during such a climb or descent their vertical speed is, in fact, less than 500 ft per minute.

2.2.2 This requirement applies to both the en-route phase of flight and to terminal holding above Transition Altitude.

Note: This is not a prohibition on the use of rates of climb or descent of less than 500 ft per minute where necessary to comply with other operating requirements.

The relevant bit is part 2.2.2 - min 500fpm applies above Transition Altitude only.