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Old 7th January 2010 | 08:26
  #24 (permalink)  
PantLoad
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 451
Likes: 2
From: USA
Not exactly...

The CDA (Constant Descent Approach) is the result of technology...the ability to select a prescribed descent angle. It is a huge advantage for pilots when executing non-precision approaches....especially in large aircraft.

Some authorities allow the CDA to the MDA, without allowing for inertia; some do not. FAA is a case of an authority who does not. My old company required adding 50 feet to the MDA to allow for a go-around without busting the MDA. Other agencies, other airlines may have different SOPs.

411A....you can hand-fly this type of approach, or you can couple it. My old company's SOP required the autopilot....but that was our SOP. But, I ask you, what's the difference of flying a rate-of-descent or descent angle?

Fly safe,

PantLoad
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