Expanding on the theme somewhat, but connected; I'm interested in sounding out opinion. This is a rare manoeuvre and I have my own ideas how to do certain aspects of it, based on real-life events: not my own. I've done it in the sim numerous times, somewhat like a trained monkey and I'd like to hear different pilots/companies opinions.
Whatever the scenario it becomes necessary to make an emergency descent. Do you:
1. Mayday ATC and inform them you need an E.D. and wait for a clearance?
2. Hurtle on down and THEN inform ATC what you are doing?
Second question.
Do you:
1.Maintain max ROD until 10,000'?
2.Maitain max ROD until e.g. 15,000' and then 1500fpm easing to 1000fpm about 12,000' till 10,000'?
I'll keep my ideas hidden and look forward to hearing yours. Please be objective.
Oh! and please don't forget TA Only BEFORE you descend otherwise a TCAS RA to reduce V/S could be triggered. That too is a little hidden gem and often not complied with. When Boeing was asked why it was not in their QRH checklist there was stoney silence. What about other types and airlines? It is a Eurocontrol recommendation and makes TCAS sense.
Last edited by RAT 5; 31st May 2013 at 12:24.