How Do Pilots Know When To Start Descending For Landing?

For some (or probably many) aviation enthusiasts who aren’t pilots, knowing exactly when to start descending towards the airport is a topic that mystifies them. The variables that impact this calculation are considerable, as pilots need to factor in speed, wind, distance, and altitude, just to name a few.
Obviously, it’s a necessary skill for a pilot to have, and they have a variety of ways to figure out when to start a descent.
This ranges from quote unquote "quick and dirty" mental math, up to precise computer analysis.
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[@MarcPagan]

From a pilot - Well researched and presented. 👍

[@BertFlanders]

Top of descent is the FL divided by 3. The result is the distance in Nm.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

Depending on airplane. Some work out if you divide by 2.

[@BertFlanders]

@@rtbrtb_dutchy4183 It actually is about the VVI you intend to accept. And postponing the TOD (and hence a greater descent rate) is more economical.

[@finleydoyle]

So is the 3 the degrees the aircraft decreases at on par with the runway? So it could be changed to be 2, 4, or 5 degree landing?

[@BertFlanders]

@@finleydoyle The glide slope of a precision approach (ILS) i stypically 3 degrees. Steeper glide slopes are possible, but as from the moment the approach is labeled as 'steep approach' (e.g. London City) it may require additional aircraft avionics and pilot training.

[@graemecatty9921]

Excellent video.

[@user-yz3sn9un1m]

Thank you!

[@awatercolourist]

This is a very interesting video. Thank you for making and uploading it.

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

I know some in this topic video and i like it.

[@AviAeroAsis]

Good video!

[@captainzeppos]

High energy approach is my business in MSFS. Every single time. I should really consider starting my TOD 2 light years from the airport.

[@rajaampattravel]

WOW! Nice Video!

[@pmbuthia4210]

this is those aviation questions that I've always wanted know, but too lay to research

[@sliferxxxx]

I don't know about elsewhere but in the US most airports have STARS with altitude crossing restrictions that set airplanes up for approach and landing. Then they have to be at specific altitudes to shoot the ILS or RNAV or other instrument approaches.

[@xanderjelly3242]

Nice video

[@slurrymcgurry954]

Love the channel. I was just too dumb to focus on all that maths 😂

[@ianlongden1449]

MathS, not math. Thank you.

[@pbear6251]

Wouldn't the whole flight from one airport to another be included in the flight plan? Including ascent and descent?

[@BenG0]

Yes but these would just be the ‘planned’ route. On the day that changes significantly whether that be shortcut to different waypoints or clearances to different levels. Sometimes higher or lower the the final flight level requested.

[@pbear6251]

@@BenG0 Thanks!!😀😀

[@Maverickf22flyer]

When they run out of fuel! Joking! It depends on company policy, regulations and also, more important form an engineering perspective, glide ratio of the aircraft.

[@lordshiva3916]

What about ils, doesnt that help the automous systems get close to landing

[@d.b.cooper1]

The computer does it all for them of course!! Glorified train/bus drivers

[@vagasint.4345]

Every professional works with computers why is it pilots get shat on when they do it?

[@mosheheliyahu9071]

Still confusing....😄. Vnav ....easier to understand.

[@Youtub77W]

They follow T/D

[@Chemical_Guy108]

All this math...

[@frostdash-aviation]

435 views in 30 minutes? Bro fell off

[@BKGBlueface]

The plane literally tells them when to descend

[@YoR8DPlanet]

e

[@YoR8DPlanet]

second comment btw

[@awatercolourist]

@@YoR8DPlanet 🥈 😄

[@Spek1212]

There’s also a T/D (top of descent) marker on the navigation display in most modern airliners. Math is for losers lol

[@EuropeanRailfan]

When the door blows of-

[@paulinejackson5861]

You people don't pay ENOUGH taxes. Younger people need to subsidise the retirees and older generation after they have built the world for them.

[@blip-hn6is]

when you see the twin towers