How Do Pilots Know When To Start Descending For Landing?

For some (or probably many) aviation enthusiasts who aren’t pilots, knowing exactly when to start descending towards the airport is a topic that mystifies them. The variables that impact this calculation are considerable, as pilots need to factor in speed, wind, distance, and altitude, just to name a few.

Obviously, it’s a necessary skill for a pilot to have, and they have a variety of ways to figure out when to start a descent.

This ranges from quote unquote "quick and dirty" mental math, up to precise computer analysis.

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[MarcPagan]

From a pilot -
Well researched and presented. 👍

[awatercolourist]

This is a very interesting video. Thank you for making and uploading it.

[BertFlanders]

Top of descent is the FL divided by 3. The result is the distance in Nm.

[nurrizadjatmiko]

I know some in this topic video and i like it.

[captainzeppos]

High energy approach is my business in MSFS. Every single time. I should really consider starting my TOD 2 light years from the airport.

[pmbuthia]

this is those aviation questions that I've always wanted know, but too lay to research

[slurrymcgurry]

Love the channel. I was just too dumb to focus on all that maths 😂

[sliferxxxx]

I don't know about elsewhere but in the US most airports have STARS with altitude crossing restrictions that set airplanes up for approach and landing. Then they have to be at specific altitudes to shoot the ILS or RNAV or other instrument approaches.

[pbear]

Wouldn't the whole flight from one airport to another be included in the flight plan? Including ascent and descent?

[lordshiva]

What about ils, doesnt that help the automous systems get close to landing

[MaverickSu-]

When they run out of fuel! Joking! It depends on company policy, regulations and also, more important form an engineering perspective, glide ratio of the aircraft.

[mosheheliyahu]

Still confusing....😄. Vnav ....easier to understand.

[d.b.cooper]

The computer does it all for them of course!! Glorified train/bus drivers

[BKGBlueface]

The plane literally tells them when to descend

[JulietS]

There’s also a T/D (top of descent) marker on the navigation display in most modern airliners. Math is for losers lol

[paulinejackson]

You people don't pay ENOUGH taxes. Younger people need to subsidise the retirees and older generation after they have built the world for them.