Lesson library

Lesson 03 · Energy management

High and Fast

Manage energy, not altitude alone

Level
Fundamentals
Time
3 minutes
Access
Free

Altitude and airspeed are two forms of energy. When both are high, solving only the altitude error can make the speed problem worse.

  1. 1Decision
  2. 2Debrief
  3. 3Transfer

Scenario

A crossing restriction requires the aircraft to reach the next fix at 5,000 feet and 210 knots.

The aircraft is stable, but it is carrying more energy than planned and thrust is already near idle.

Altitude
12,500 FT
Airspeed
250 KT
Distance
22 NM
Vertical path
+900 FT

Make the call

What is the best response?