On Mon, 28 Nov 2005 06:35:53 +0000 (UTC), Daniel Roesen wrote:

Well, what other interpretations of "optimum rate of descend" would
you have in mind? I

I would take it to mean that you take into account all the factors
involved, not just how much money you're going to spend/save. That would
include, but not be limited to, operating characteristics of the aircraft,
passenger comfort, ATC expectations, expense, visibility at the required
angle of attack, etc.

For example, in my Mooney, I would typically use a cruise climb of 115-120
KIAS rather than a best rate of climb of about 90 KIAS because of improved
forward visibility at the lower AOA (unless ATC requested "best rate").




Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)