Estimate time to descend and distance covered during an emergency descent using altitude to lose, rate of descent, and groundspeed. This free aviation calculator is designed for planning and training awareness.
Enter altitude to lose and average rate of descent. Add groundspeed if you want to estimate how far the aircraft may travel during the descent.
This calculator estimates average descent values and should not be used in place of approved procedures.
An emergency descent is a rapid descent used when an aircraft needs to lose altitude quickly. Common training scenarios include smoke, fire, depressurization, or other situations requiring prompt descent to a lower altitude.
The exact emergency descent technique depends on aircraft type, configuration, operating limitations, and approved procedures, but pilots often want a general way to estimate time and distance during descent planning.
Use a realistic average rate of descent for the aircraft and scenario being considered. Actual emergency descent rates vary widely by aircraft type, configuration, and procedure.
Groundspeed affects how far the aircraft travels while descending. A faster groundspeed means more distance covered during the same amount of descent time.
No. This calculator is a planning aid. Pilots must always use approved aircraft emergency procedures, limitations, and checklists.
It can be used as a general planning tool, but actual pressurization or emergency descent procedures must always follow the aircraft’s approved guidance.