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Which may be an advantage of the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA)?

  • A

    Despite it requires more power, it is safer and reduces noise.

  • B

    The angle of descent is modified frequently.

  • C

    Allows the aircraft to descend with cruise speed.

  • D

    Reduces fuel consumption and saves power.

Refer to figure.
Continuous Descent Arrival or Approach (CDA) is an aircraft operating technique in which an arriving aircraft descends from an optimal position with minimum power and avoids level flight to the extent permitted by the safe operation of the aircraft and compliance with published procedures and ATC instructions.

The objective of a CDA is to reduce aircraft noise, fuel burn and emissions by means of a continuous descent, so as to intercept the approach glidepath at an appropriate altitude for the distance to touchdown.

In a conventional, non-CDA approach the aircraft descends stepwise, with portions of level flight in-between. By performing a CDA the aircraft remains higher for longer and operates at lower engine power. Both of these elements induce a reduction in fuel use, emissions and noise along the descent profile prior to the point at which the aircraft is established on the final approach path.

The ideal CDA starts at the top of descent and ends when the aircraft starts the final approach and follows the glide slope to the runway. Typically, CDAs are not possible all the time, not for all arriving flights and not always for the whole descent profile. But at more and more airports measures are taken to use CDA to the extent possible and to gradually increase the percentage of CDA-flights.

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