Speed Control
 

Question from an Area ATCO

Is 300 Kts IAS (below FL300) acceptable or is that too fast. It follows a comment from a B737-500 pilot suggesting that is was
'uncomfortable'.

If your answer is 'yes it is unacceptable' then could you please explain why. The more positive feedback we get the better the service we can provide (in theory !)

It follows a comment from a B737-500 pilot suggesting that is was

It certainly wasn't a SWA pilot was it???

:} :}

I believe a descent speed of 290-310 KIAS is the norm above 10,000'.

Indicated airspeed at high altitude
 

Cheggars

I think what our 737 pilot was getting at is that 300kts indicated at FL270 to FL300 is equivalent to a Mach speed that is higher than the Mmo of the aircraft. There is also a possibility that he is conservative in operating close to that red/black "barbers pole" speed limit on the airspeed indicator.

For my part I am more than happy to oblige in the 777 with Mach .84 initial descent speed and 300 - 320 kts below FL270.
It's the 160 to 4DME that can be the problem.....

"It's the 160 to 4DME that can be the problem....."

Yeah... If I'm at max landing weight in the 744, I can't get that slow! :D

Cruise Mach (around .85) until reaching 310 KIAS is our standard descent.

About the 160kts to 4 DME.

As an approach controller, if a pilot is not happy with the 160kts till 4 DME and wishes to do a different speed I am happy to oblige as long as they're not already on final (depending on traffic)

If you give ATC the heads up early on they have time to adjust the sequence, allow for vortex etc, according to your speed.

OK, some controllers are more helpful than others and some airports are just far too busy but it can't hurt to ask.

Don't ask, don't get.

:)