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An aircraft at FL290 is required to commence descent when 50 NM from a VOR and to cross that VOR at FL80. Mean GS during descent is 271 kt. What is the minimum rate of descent required?
  • A
    1900 ft/min
  • B
    1800 ft/min
  • C
    1700 ft/min
  • D
    2000 ft/min

The aircraft is currently at 29 000 ft and is required to cross the VOR at 8000 ft, which means that it must descend 21 000 ft in 50 NM.

With a GS of 271 kt, the aircraft will take 11 minutes to cover 50 NM (50 NM ÷ 271 kt).

Rate of Descent RoD (ft/min)= Change in Height / Time
Rate of Descent RoD (ft/min)= 21 000 ft / 11 min
Rate of Descent RoD (ft/min)= 1909 ft/min

This means that for each minute during the descent, the aircraft must lose 1909 ft of altitude.

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