Assuming a descent at 250kt IAS and idle thrust, will the resulting ROD be higher at a higher GW, or lower?

Asked Oct 23 '21 at 22:31

Active Oct 24 '21 at 01:10

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I was recently told by a pilot that it works in inverse order: Keeping indicated airspeed steady, and using idle thrust, the rate of descent will be lower with a higher gross weight (and a higher rate with a lower gross weight).

Somehow this does not make sense to me.

edited Oct 24 '21 at 01:10

randomhead

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asked Oct 23 '21 at 22:31

Stamatis Vellis

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"Will" questions are answered yes/no, but I think you also want to know why, so does this answer your question? Why does an airliner have a shallow descent when heavier, opposite to gliders with ballast? – Oct 23 '21 at 22:45
Yes, the answers and comments to this question explain the "why", thank you – Stamatis Vellis Oct 24 '21 at 09:15

Assuming a descent at 250kt IAS and idle thrust, will the resulting ROD be higher at a higher GW, or lower?

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