Estimate the required descent rate in feet per minute using altitude to lose, groundspeed, and descent distance. This free aviation calculator helps pilots plan smoother descents and more stable arrivals.
Enter altitude to lose, groundspeed, and descent distance to calculate the required descent rate in feet per minute.
This calculator uses distance and groundspeed to determine available descent time, then calculates the required feet per minute.
A descent rate calculator helps pilots determine how quickly they need to descend in order to lose a given amount of altitude over a known distance.
This is useful for arrival planning, stable approaches, descent briefings, and meeting altitude restrictions during IFR or VFR flight.
A normal descent rate depends on aircraft type, groundspeed, and operational needs. Many light aircraft use descent rates in the several hundred feet per minute range, while faster aircraft may require more.
Groundspeed determines how much time is available to lose altitude over a given distance. Faster groundspeed means less time and usually a higher required descent rate.
It is a common rule of thumb for estimating the descent rate needed for an approximately 3 degree descent path.
This calculator is a useful planning aid, but actual descent planning should also consider aircraft limitations, winds, ATC restrictions, and published procedures.