Pegasus Aviation Service, LLC

Emergency Descent BACK to Index

DescriptionThe aircraft enters a high rate descent while being maneuvered towards the best available landing site. ObjectiveTo develop the skill and proficiency necessary to accomplish an off-field landing as soon as practical if an emergency situation requires it. Procedure• Configure the airplane. Apply carb heat, reduce power to idle and pitch down to ≈120 KIAS.• Establish a descending turn. Bank 30° to 45° in order to establish a positive load on the airplane, scan for traffic, look for possible landing sites and increase the rate of descent.• Return to straight and level flight. Roll wings level and gradually raise the nose approximately 100 feet prior to desired level off altitude.• Return to cruise flight. Adjust power and mixture settings. Complete appropriate checklist and trim to relieve control pressures.• Prepare for landing. If applicable, head towards appropriate landing site and configure the airplane for landing using the appropriate checklist. ACS Standards• Clear the area.• Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario as specified by the evaluator and as covered in the POH/AFM for the emergency descent.• Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery.• Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.• Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at the specified altitude +/-100 feet.• Complete the appropriate checklist.