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Long Haul

Drift Down Procedure

A contingency descent profile followed after an engine failure at cruise altitude to achieve the aircraft’s new single-engine ceiling while maintaining obstacle clearance.

Quick answer: A contingency descent profile followed after an engine failure at cruise altitude to achieve the aircraft’s new single-engine ceiling while maintaining obstacle clearance.

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Quick answer

A contingency descent profile followed after an engine failure at cruise altitude to achieve the aircraft’s new single-engine ceiling while maintaining obstacle clearance.

Why it matters

Drift Down Procedure matters because it supports clear communication in Long Haul contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is Drift Down Procedure?

In this glossary, Drift Down Procedure refers to: A contingency descent profile followed after an engine failure at cruise altitude to achieve the aircraft’s new single-engine ceiling while maintaining obstacle clearance.

How is Drift Down Procedure used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Mayday, one engine out, commencing Drift Down Procedure from flight level 370 to maintain obstacle clearance until drift-down level reached."

Why does Drift Down Procedure matter in aviation?

Drift Down Procedure matters because it supports clear communication in Long Haul contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses Drift Down Procedure?

Drift Down Procedure is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does Drift Down Procedure belong to?

In this glossary, Drift Down Procedure is grouped under Long Haul. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

A contingency descent profile followed after an engine failure at cruise altitude to achieve the aircraft’s new single-engine ceiling while maintaining obstacle clearance.

Operational example

Mayday, one engine out, commencing Drift Down Procedure from flight level three-seven-zero to maintain obstacle clearance until drift-down level reached.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Long Haul

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

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