paulkinm,
At idle, the engines still produce a small amount of thrust, in the region of 2500 lbs a side, but yes, the general idea is to descend in glider-mode (starting off around 2300 fpm, if memory serves), initially at a speed around M.78-.79, then transitioning to 275-290 KIAS, slowing to 240 below FL100 and then finally reducing the speed while configuring, all the time with the engines in idle. Only when we're at F30 or 40 do we add thrust again to maintain final approach speed.
However, this being far from an ideal world, compromises must be struck so ATC can fit all the aircraft in. Therefore, we only fly to a handful of places where there genrally will be no or very limited ATC interference with the descent-planning. REU is one of them, LPA is another (at least at the time we get there!) Oh, one mustn't forget the top-notch guys in CPH who once (via CTRL) cleared us for a visual approach 22L while still 120 NM out
Empty