Originally Posted by eckhard
I think that the problem stems from letting the FMS decide on the conversion altitude and leaving the jet to follow the programmed Mach/speed
This sums up the problem. Over reliance on the 'box'...
It's quite easy really. If descending at say 0.84 and am asked for 250 knots on conversion I take a look at my IAS. If say I'm showing 270 kts I just select speed and pull for Open Descent. Voila. Very easy and never had a complaint from London ATC.
Conversely if I'm below the requested speed then I select the Mach and when it hits the required number just hit the mach/speed button. It's not difficult.
And to answer you FZRA
perhaps the drag options on the maxibus were greater?
I can tell you that the Maxibus can come down like a sack of spuds
