To level off from a descent at an airspeed higher than the descent speed, the addition of power should be made, assuming a 500 FPM rate of descent, at approximately

To level off from a descent at an airspeed higher than the descent speed, the addition of power should be made, assuming a 500 FPM rate of descent, at approximately

• A. 150 to 200 feet above the desired altitude.
• B. 50 to 100 feet above the desired altitude.
• C. 100 to 150 feet above the desired altitude.
• D. 0 to 50 feet above the desired altitude.

Answer: (C)

When leveling off from a descent, you need to start adding power before you reach the target altitude so you can arrest the descent and transition smoothly to level flight. With a descent rate of 500 feet per minute, you’re losing roughly 8 to 9 feet each second. Beginning the power increase about 100 to 150 feet above the desired altitude gives you several seconds to add power, trim, and let the airplane slow the descent and level off without overshooting. If you start too close to the target altitude, there isn’t enough time for the power change and pitch to take full effect, so you may still be descending as you reach the altitude. If you start too high, you waste altitude and may need additional descent correction to settle into level flight. Hence, the practical range is 100 to 150 feet above the desired altitude.

When leveling off from a descent, you need to start adding power before you reach the target altitude so you can arrest the descent and transition smoothly to level flight. With a descent rate of 500 feet per minute, you’re losing roughly 8 to 9 feet each second. Beginning the power increase about 100 to 150 feet above the desired altitude gives you several seconds to add power, trim, and let the airplane slow the descent and level off without overshooting.

If you start too close to the target altitude, there isn’t enough time for the power change and pitch to take full effect, so you may still be descending as you reach the altitude. If you start too high, you waste altitude and may need additional descent correction to settle into level flight. Hence, the practical range is 100 to 150 feet above the desired altitude.