Descent (aircraft)

A descent during air travel is when an aircraft transitions from zero to negative lift. This results in a negative altitude change, and is the opposite of an ascent. Rapid descents relate to dramatic changes in air pressure and can result in discomfort via the middle ear. Relief is achieved by popping ones ears through swallowing, yawining, or chewing.

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Correctly flown descents take place at a constant airspeed and constant angle of descent. The pilot chooses the angle of descent by setting the power output of the engines and lowering the nose to the correct level to keep the airspeed constant. Unpowered descents (for example, after engine failure) are steeper than powered descents but flown in a similar way. If the nose is too high for the chosen power the airspeed will decrease until eventually the aircraft stalls (loses lift).

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