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The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
Quick answer: The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
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The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
Top of Descent matters because it supports clear communication in Navigation 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.
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Questions and answers
In this glossary, Top of Descent refers to: The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Advise reaching top of descent and confirm readiness for descent clearance."
Top of Descent matters because it supports clear communication in Navigation 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.
Top of Descent is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.
In this glossary, Top of Descent is grouped under Navigation. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.
This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.
The calculated point along a flight path where the aircraft begins its planned descent from cruise altitude toward the destination, as programmed in the FMS.
Advise reaching top of descent and confirm readiness for descent clearance.
English reference definition
ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG
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