Flight Phase

Idle descent

A descent procedure where engines are set to idle thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend primarily due to gravity, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing noise.

Quick answer: A descent procedure where engines are set to idle thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend primarily due to gravity, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing noise.

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Quick answer

A descent procedure where engines are set to idle thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend primarily due to gravity, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing noise.

Why it matters

Idle descent matters because it supports clear communication in Flight Phase contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is Idle descent?

In this glossary, Idle descent refers to: A descent procedure where engines are set to idle thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend primarily due to gravity, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing noise.

How is Idle descent used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Descend via the arrival, idle descent approved, maintain two five zero knots until ten thousand feet."

Why does Idle descent matter in aviation?

Idle descent matters because it supports clear communication in Flight Phase contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses Idle descent?

Idle descent is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does Idle descent belong to?

In this glossary, Idle descent is grouped under Flight Phase. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

A descent procedure where engines are set to idle thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend primarily due to gravity, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing noise.

Operational example

Descend via the arrival, idle descent approved, maintain two five zero knots until ten thousand feet.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Flight Phase

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

Use the related links below to continue through connected aviation terminology.

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