Constant Rate Descent

BASIC INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES

CHAPTER ONE

as directed by the instructor, at a constant rate of 1000 fpm. A 1000 fpm rate of climb is

maintained by referencing the clock and the altimeter (250 feet of climb each 15 second).

Ten percent of the rate of climb prior to leveloff (25 feet), simultaneously lower the nose

to the level flight attitude and reduce power to that required for level flight.

Constant Rate Descent

To descend at 1,000 FPM, 3 seconds prior to the 12 on the clock, reduce the power

approximately 4% below that which is required to maintain 180 KIAS, simultaneously

lowering the nose to -1 nose down. Maintain 180 KIAS by adjusting the nose attitude and

maintain 1000 FPM rate of descent by adjusting power as necessary. A 1000 FPM rate of

descent is maintained by referencing the clock and the altimeter (250 feet of descent will

occur each 15 seconds). Ten percent of the rate of descent prior to level off, simultaneously

raise the nose to the pattern cruise attitude and add power to approximately 80% RPM.

NOTE

While power primarily controls rate of climb or descent, nose

attitude primarily controls airspeed. Power and attitude corrections

are not mutually exclusive. For example, if an airspeed that is 10

knots slow is encountered while maintaining a 1000 fpm rate of

descent, then the nose should be lowered in order to regain the

desired airspeed. However, if no corresponding addition of power

is made, an increase in rate of descent, as well as the desired

increase in airspeed will occur. It is therefore important to

remember a correction made in the attitude of the aircraft will

require a corresponding correction in power, and that a power

correction will require a corresponding correction in attitude.

S-1 Pattern

This pattern is flown at pattern cruise (180 KIAS) and consists of a descent of 1000' at a constant

rate of 1000 fpm, followed immediately by a climb of 1000' at a constant rate of climb of 1000

fpm. Repeating the descent and climb sequence completes the pattern. A constant heading is

maintained throughout the pattern (Figure 1-9). The maneuver is accomplished as follows:

Three seconds prior to the 12 on the clock, reduce the power approximately 4% to establish the

desired rate of descent, simultaneously lowering the nose smoothly to the descending attitude

(approximately a 3 change in nose attitude to maintain airspeed).

BASIC INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES 1-29