Aviation English
Flight Phase

What is Idle descent?

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.

Source: ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

How is “Idle descent” Used in Practice?

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

Certification Exam Relevance

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

Who Needs to Know This Term?

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Learn “Idle descent” Free with Termify

Master Idle descent and 4,071+ professional terms with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and career quizzes. 100% free, forever.

Download Free for iOS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 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.

Where can I learn this term for free?

Termify is a 100% free professional English app that teaches Idle descent and 4,071+ other industry terms with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and career quizzes. Available on iOS in 23 languages. No subscription, no credit card required.

Last updated: