What is Top of Descent?
Top of Descent The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
Source: ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG
How is “Top of Descent” Used in Practice?
Advise reaching top of descent and confirm readiness for descent clearance.
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 along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
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