Rate of Descent Calculator
Calculate required vertical speed to reach your target altitude at a specific distance.
RATE OF DESCENT
ROD CALCULATOR
ACTIVE
FT
FT
KT
NM
Required Descent Rate
1,458
FEET PER MINUTE
Descent Angle
3.30°
Time to Target
4.80
MINUTES
Descent Parameters
Alt Change
7,000
FT
Glide Ratio
0.0029
NM/FT
INFO: Calculates required vertical speed to reach target altitude at a specific distance. Ideal for approach planning.
Professional Tips
- •A comfortable descent rate for passengers is 500-800 feet per minute
- •Maximum descent rates should not exceed 1500 fpm below 10,000 feet
- •Add 100-200 fpm to calculated ROD for safety margin
- •Monitor actual vs planned descent rate and adjust power accordingly