Rate of Descent

[A-3TWENTY]

Hi Folks ,

When we are still and route or during descent and we are requested to descend even if far from our TOD we are supposed to keep at least 1000 Ft/min.

Is there any place where is this writen?

Thanks in advance,

A-3TWENTY

[bucket_and_spade]

I thought ATC expected a min. of 500 fpm for all climbs/descents?

[esreverlluf]

Depends where you are in the world . . .

[Flyman35]

as far as I know 500 fmp however I've been told by one captain it is 800 but 500 seems more realistic.

[TckVs]

I thought it was 500' but try it NY airspace an you'd get increase request pretty quick.

Only one captain who thinks 800 fpm sounds about right..:E

[GLFSTMFIVE]

500 fpm on the way down and 300fpm on the way up sems to ring a bell somewhere.

[sludge]

Unwritten rule, in the NE corridor all the controllers base their projections on a min 1500 fpm in descents for the turbojets. A visit to BOS center and queries on the freq have confirmed this for me by at least 4 controllers. Every where else its 1000 fpm down, the last 1000' can be at 500 fpm.

[Overheat]

Depends where you're flying.
You should check the Jepps / RAR for all flight buddy.

Exemple, UK airspace, 500ft/min minimum descent max 8000ft/min climb. As it is not referenced the minimum for climb we assume it's the normal cruise climb of the a/c, except if the controler asks you to expedite.

In Belgium, Dutch, German, basicly central europe we should maintains 1500ft/min descending. But if you keep 1000ft/min they will soon tell you what they expect.

Unfortunetly, flying is not just for the fun. As Pro we need to read the books and the forums of course. We learn a lot with each other. I believe that's the all point in being a Pilot. Flying and changing experiences.

Regards

[sludge]

Not flying in Europe, but if I ever venture that way I'll try and remember.:)

[Jumbo Driver]

... Exemple, UK airspace, 500ft/min minimum descent max 8000ft/min climb. As it is not referenced the minimum for climb we assume it's the normal cruise climb of the a/c, except if the controler asks you to expedite.

Not quite correct, Overheat ...

In UK, the full requirements are to be found at ENR 1.1.3 GENERAL FLIGHT PROCEDURES (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/enr/EG_ENR_1_1_en.pdf), where the relevant paragraphs read as follows:

2 Climb and Descent

2.2 Maximum Rates of Climb and Descent

2.2.1 In order to ensure the credible interaction of Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems and ground based safety nets, other than aircraft in emergency and certain specific conditions for military aircraft (as detailed in Military AIP and JSP552), all aircraft when Operating under normal circumstances, when inside Controlled Airspace within the London and Scottish FIRs/UIRs should not operate with a climb or descent rate exceeding 8000 ft per minute. Aircraft when first approaching a cleared flight level and/or when changing flight level in Controlled Airspace should ensure that the vertical closure speed is not excessive. It is considered that, with about 1500 ft to go to a cleared level, vertical speed should be reduced to a maximum of 1500 ft per minute and ideally to between 1000 ft per minute and 500 ft per minute. Pilots should ensure that the aeroplane neither undershoots nor overshoots the cleared level by more than 150 ft, manually overriding if necessary.

2.3 Minimum Rates of Climb and Descent

2.3.1 In order to ensure that controllers can accurately predict flight profiles to maintain standard vertical separation between aircraft, pilots of aircraft commencing a climb or descent in accordance with an ATC Clearance should inform the controller if they anticipate that their rate of climb or descent during the level change will be less than 500 ft per minute, or if at any time during such a climb or descent their vertical speed is, in fact, less than 500 ft per minute.

2.3.2 This requirement applies to both the en-route phase of flight and to terminal holding above Transition Altitude.
Note: This is not a prohibition on the use of rates of climb or descent of less than 500 ft per minute where necessary to comply with other operating requirements.


JD
:)

[javelin]

That will be the 500fpm I maintain towards LIFFY then.....:E

[SURGEBLEEDVALVE]

Canadian Regulations


Pistion Aircraft 500 FPM (minimum)
Turbine Aircraft 1000 FPM (minimum)

as others stated each country is different

[hawk37]

Surgebleedvalve,

"Canadian Regulations... Turbine Aircraft 1000 FPM (minimum)..."

Can you provide a reference for this?

I thought 500 fpm was the "minimum" for all types.