Descent

From leaving cruise level to joining the approach. Workload rises as the aircraft is slowed, configured and briefed.

Descent planning errors, such as being high and fast on arrival, set up the rushed approaches that show up repeatedly in approach-and-landing accident data.

Related terms

Approach

From joining the approach to just before touchdown. Together with landing it accounts for a disproportionate share of accidents relative to time spent.

Cruise

Level flight between climb and descent. The longest phase and the one with the fewest accidents per hour.

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