General Descent Procedure (flap usage/max speeds) (MEJ)

[LAX]

Hi

For 737 find a Flight crew training Manual as theres loads of stuff in it regarding decent, approaches and when to slow, deploy flaps and configure.

Basically lets forget VNAV, however this is what I do. To calculate your approx decent point from the airport Nav aid multiply your altitude by 3, divide it by 1000 and add 10 = Top of decent in nm eg (35000ft/1000)*3 +10 = 115nm top of decent. I would put a 115nm circle in the fix page from the Airport Nav aid to mark the point. You will need to allow for tail or headwinds. At approx FL260 your speed needs to be around 280-290kts.

At 25 to 30nm from the Airport aim to be at FL100 - 240-250kts. Put a 25nm circle in the fix page from the airport nav aid to mark the MSA and a 25nm point to go. Remember at some time you will need to decelerate from approx 280 to 250kts, this takes around 25 seconds in a 737 in level flt (half this time using the speed brakes). I would generally start to slow from 280 to 250kts at approx FL115

At approx 12nm to go you should aim to be at min clean speed 210-225kts and around 5000ft.

As soon as you are given a turn and heading (assuming normal radar vectors) to intercept the inbound radial or LOC for landing call for Flap 1 and then 5, slow to 180-190 kts. If you intercept much faster than this you will overshoot the VOR radial or Loc. Then configure the Aircraft depending on altitude, distance to go etc on the approach. If you are flying a full procedure be at Flap 5 speed 180kts outbound from the beacon.

Use the Green Banana on the EHSI, it will tell you if you are going to be high or low depending on your distance to go. If your too high or fast use the speedbrakes to get yourself back on the correct profile.

Hope this helps.