Decent rates for the 737-700

[el_777]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows the regular descent rates that pilots in a Boeing 737-700 use upon descent from cruising altitude. Thanks

[EGNX]

Well... it's quite dependent on other factors... Such as, cruising altitude and distance from airfield.

Airliners tend to make their decent from cruise at around 60-80nm out.
Lets say the aircraft is flying at 30,000ft, and at an average speed of 300nm ground speed. The airport is 75nm away. So we'll reach it in 15 minutes. If we descend at 2000ft per min then we should be pretty much at a perfect height to land.

Of course... it's not that simple. The aircraft won't be constantly flying at 300nm... it will gradually get slower as you get lower. ATC might vector you around a bit causing your distance to the airfield to increase. But use it as a rough guide to work out an estimated rate of decent and constantly monitor and adjust it.

[C]

[quote]Well... it's quite dependent on other factors... Such as, cruising altitude and distance from airfield.

Airliners tend to make their decent from cruise at around 60-80nm out.
Lets say the aircraft is flying at 30,000ft, and at an average speed of 300nm ground speed. The airport is 75nm away. So we'll reach it in 15 minutes. If we descend at 2000ft per min then we should be pretty much at a perfect height to land.

Of course... it's not that simple. The aircraft won't be constantly flying at 300nm... it will gradually get slower as you get lower. ATC might vector you around a bit causing your distance to the airfield to increase. But use it as a rough guide to work out an estimated rated of decent and constantly monitor and adjust it.

[Slotback]

Optimally decents should be made on idle thrust with PITCH used to maintain speed.... that's how VNAV and FLCH works on the autopilot... but if yours doesn't have those you can just idle the engines and use vertical speed to maintain your speed... that should be about 2000 feet per minute or perhaps slighly higher.... To find out when to decend, multiply your height above the airport by 3 and that's how many miles you should start.

[Mictheslik]

Looking at your title are you looking to lease or buy?

I don't know about now, but in 2000, a 737-500 was $256,000 per month

A Brand new 737-700 from Boeing would be between 57 and 67.5 million dollars......

.mic

[el_777]

Nope, just curious on the descent rates when I fly them in FSX. Also just wanted to know the average descent rates when you are a passenger on the plane and your ears start popping.

Thanks for the info.