Emergency Descent

A rapid descent procedure used to quickly lose altitude in response to an in-flight emergency such as an engine fire, cabin fire, or sudden loss of cabin pressurization in pressurized aircraft. The pilot typically reduces power to idle, establishes the maximum flap-extended speed or gear-extended speed (as appropriate), and enters a steep descending turn to achieve the maximum rate of descent without exceeding airspeed limitations. The goal is to reach a lower, safer altitude as quickly as possible. Student pilots should be familiar with the emergency descent procedure in their aircraft's POH.