What is the first action the crew should take in an emergency descent?

What is the first action the crew should take in an emergency descent?

• A. Apply maximum thrust
• B. Autopilot engagement
• C. Thrust idle
• D. Retrim aircraft

Answer: (C)

Lowering thrust to idle is the immediate action to initiate an emergency descent. Reducing power stops the climb or level-off tendency and lets gravity start pulling the airplane downward, so you can quickly reach a safer altitude and establish the proper descent speed and configuration. Pushing to maximum thrust would oppose descent and keep you higher longer, which defeats the purpose. Engaging the autopilot or retrimming are steps you can manage after you’ve established a controlled descent and airspeed, not as the first action. Retrimming comes once the aircraft is in the descent and you’re stabilizing the flight path.

Lowering thrust to idle is the immediate action to initiate an emergency descent. Reducing power stops the climb or level-off tendency and lets gravity start pulling the airplane downward, so you can quickly reach a safer altitude and establish the proper descent speed and configuration. Pushing to maximum thrust would oppose descent and keep you higher longer, which defeats the purpose. Engaging the autopilot or retrimming are steps you can manage after you’ve established a controlled descent and airspeed, not as the first action. Retrimming comes once the aircraft is in the descent and you’re stabilizing the flight path.