PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - What does ATC expect from pilots? Descend/Speed
Old 24th Jan 2017, 14:12
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The Many Tentacles
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
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1) In the UK the minimum rate is 500ft a minute, in the climb or the descent. Technically, if you're going below that rate you should tell us. Realistically, I'd expect something around 1500ft per minute in the descent or climb, but that expectation varies according to aircraft type. In most London sectors you'll be given a level point in the descent so you can manage your own descent rate. If we want something impressive we'll ask you first.

2) 1kt per second is reasonable, regarding spoiler use that's the pilot's decision. I always train to never ask aircraft to go down and slow down, either tell them before they start their descent or expect them to be high if you've given a level restriction.

Regarding where to find these officially, I don't know sorry. This is a perspective from the shop floor

Last edited by The Many Tentacles; 24th Jan 2017 at 14:14. Reason: speling :)
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