What is Top of descent?
Top of descent The calculated point during cruise at which an aircraft initiates descent from cruising altitude toward destination, usually determined by onboard flight management systems.
Source: ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG
How is “Top of descent” Used in Practice?
Pilot: We have reached top of descent, commencing descent to flight level one eight zero as cleared.
Certification Exam Relevance
Who Needs to Know This Term?
- Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Cabin Crew
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What is Top of descent?
The calculated point during cruise at which an aircraft initiates descent from cruising altitude toward destination, usually determined by onboard flight management systems.
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