Originally Posted by
FlightDetent
The (pretty common) types I flew would as per FCTM go L/G down, mid-flaps and half spoilers at 180 knots to recover excessive altitude. Gives you between -1800, -2400 fpm in a straight line. If still too high (by 2000 ft above the platform, approaching the FAP - i.e. unrecoverable - let's imagine), the unfortunate decision to do a 360 would have you complete the full circle at 4000 below the target altitude. The obstacle clearance on the intermediate segment is 500 ft. Useless trick, that gets you nowhere but in trouble.
Sorry but I wouldn't like the idea of diving in such a mountainous area at 2000 ft/min or more for a glide slope which is already pretty steep, being busy with speed and configuration change... And I suppose that while orbiting you are still able to stop your descent at the desired altitude.
