How does this apply to the real world?
In an old airplane at FL 310 with almost no tailwind or headwind, BUT without VNAV, you are at normal cruise speed about 100 miles from a VOR and you are given a clearance to cross it at 12,000' and 250 knots. The descent should have no more than light turbulence (negating the need to fly at "rough air speed", i.e. .79 or 285 knots). Are you going to descend earlier with a jet weighing about 98,000 lbs compared to one at about 82,000 lbs, and if so, about how many miles earlier? Roughly a normal two/one ratio (i.e. double your altitude to lose and add on miles for speed reduction and several extra miles)?
Does most such study material in various countries apply to line flying? Just curious.
[ 11 September 2001: Message edited by: Ignition Override ]