Flight Instructors Training Procedures _revised AIC_x

1. AIM
DEFINITION
EXERCISE 8
DESCENDING
Descending is a reduction in altitude at a specified airspeed and/or rate of descent using the
appropriate power settings, with the aircraft in balance maintaining a constant heading, with reference
to both visual and instrument attitude indications.
WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR IS TO TEACH
i. Discuss the principles involved.
ii. The air exercise briefing:
a. Applicable procedures and checklists.
b. Aircraft handling techniques:- Demonstration and Observation.
c. Considerations of airmanship and engine handling.
d. Similarity to previous exercises.
e. De-briefing after flight.
WHY IT IS BEING TAUGHT
To give the student a thorough understanding of all the principles involved in descending, thereby
enabling the student to execute an accurate descent in the correct manner.
HOW THE EXERCISE APPLIES TO FLYING
i. Returning from the GF area.
ii. Descending in the circuit.
iii. Navigational descents.
iv. Instrument letdowns.
v. Maximum rate of descent.
vi. Range descent – varying distance.
vii. Endurance descent – varying time.
2. PRINCIPLES INVOLVED
Two types: Power off – gliding.
Power on.
1. NEWTON’S LAWS
As applicable to:
i. Initiating a glide – inertia.
ii. During a glide – equilibrium.
iii. Levelling off from a glide – inertia.
2. FORCES IN THE GLIDE/DESCENT
Recap on the forces during straight and level flight including couples. Remove the thrust and
discuss:
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