Originally Posted by
ReverseFlight
Question: Why does the descent have to be at max speed ? Why risk a structural overspeed instead of a low-speed stall ? Surely the RoD is more important to get down to 10,000' asap ?
e.g. A320 QRH Emer Descent : "Descend at the max appropriate speed."
e.g. B737NG FCTM Rapid Descent : "Target speed MMO/VMO".
Explanation appreciated.
Highest ROD is achieved at max speed. You want to get down asap so use max speed unless a structural problem (i.e. structural damage) is known/suspected in which case most aircraft say to descend at current speed.