"Daniel Roesen" wrote in message
...

Thank you very much for citing the relevant regs. Is this stuff available
online for future reference?


The AIM can be found online at:

http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/AIM/index.htm



Hm... interesting. "optimum rate consistent with the operating
characteristics of the aircraft". This is fuzzy.

The most economically way to descend a jet is at near idle thrust,
tactically. But strategically, that's only true if I'm on my computed
economic descent path. So if ATC orders me earlier than reaching my ToD
to "descend now FL270", at what rate do I descend? "optimum rate"
would be very shallow and be not quick enough for the controller who
wants to get me out of the way of something. Should I descend at near
idle thrust? But that would bring me down much quicker than strategically
economic, as I have to fly a longer distance on a suboptimal low flight
level.


When the descent is to avoid other traffic, as it is whenever "descend now"
is used, quicker is better than slower.