Glossary
Flight Operations
Descent
Definition
The phase of flight where an aircraft reduces altitude as it approaches the destination
Related Terms
Approach Procedure
A series of maneuvers used to align an aircraft with a runway for landing
Cruise
The phase of flight at a relatively constant altitude and speed between climb and descent
Landing
The final phase of flight where an aircraft descends to the runway surface
Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR)
A published flight procedure followed by aircraft arriving at an airport