Calculate Top of Descent - XC Flight Planning (Private Pilot Lesson 14o)

Explanation of how to calculate the top of descent for the cross country flight plan.
Cross Country Steps: bit.ly/FSOG-XC-Steps
Cross Country NavLog: bit.ly/FSOG-Nav-Log
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[@TheAvGeeKsOfficeAvinashbandaru]

You’re awesome thank you , your videos helps me a lot I reside in canada and use your tips and tricks to make my life easier

[@BostonClipper]

Another way is to plan a 3 degree descent using trig. Two constants are all we need. For top of decent 318. For rate of descent 5.3.
Top of descent. 5,500 - 1,200 = 4,300 4,300 / 318 = 13.5 nm
Rate of descent uses ground speed but we can also assume calm winds aloft. 120 x 5.3 = 636 fpm.
Because 318 and 5.3 are constants creating a simple lookup table eliminates all the math. For simple GA aircraft only a dozen incremented values are needed. This method makes it VERY easy to ballpark distance and rate.
Top Of Descent
1,000 - 3.1
2,000 - 6.3
3,000 - 9.4
4,000 - 12.6
Etc
Rate of Descent
60 - 318
70 - 372
80 - 425
90 - 478
Etc
Or use the common rule of thumb of 3 and 5.
4,300 use 4.3 x 3 = 12.3 nm
120 x 5 = 600 fpm
You descend a little late and flat however.

[@willhibbardii2450]

Good lesson Cyndy. Thank you for posting these!

[@arthurletouriste5071]

Great explaination !!

[@scottpiette]

That was one great question you just answered for me thank you very much....

[@israelcanada8969]

I love your videos ♥️

[@xavicrown7226]

Thank you so much 👍😃

[@snowman100]

You've really helped me a lot during my ppl. My question is we're you've thought of IFR lessons too?

[@jhanick]

lol, 9/60 x 120 = 18.

[@ActioJjunky]

You didn’t finish explaining anything what’s the point if you won’t finish