During an emergency descent, what action should be performed after initiating the descent?

During an emergency descent, what action should be performed after initiating the descent?

• A. Extend speed brakes fully
• B. Throttle idle
• C. Lower landing gear
• D. Engage autopilot

Answer: (A)

In an emergency descent, the first priority is to establish a controlled, rapid descent without letting airspeed run away. Extending the speed brakes fully does that by creating significant drag, which lowers the airspeed and lets you descend at a safe, controllable rate. This quick increase in drag helps you establish a stable flight path before fine‑tuning thrust and pitch. Lowering the landing gear isn’t needed right away and can affect handling or add unnecessary drag if not required. Engaging autopilot isn’t the immediate step in this scenario; you typically adjust the configuration to control the descent first. Throttle idle may be used subsequently to manage airspeed, but the most effective immediate action to set the descent in motion is deploying the speed brakes.

In an emergency descent, the first priority is to establish a controlled, rapid descent without letting airspeed run away. Extending the speed brakes fully does that by creating significant drag, which lowers the airspeed and lets you descend at a safe, controllable rate. This quick increase in drag helps you establish a stable flight path before fine‑tuning thrust and pitch.

Lowering the landing gear isn’t needed right away and can affect handling or add unnecessary drag if not required. Engaging autopilot isn’t the immediate step in this scenario; you typically adjust the configuration to control the descent first. Throttle idle may be used subsequently to manage airspeed, but the most effective immediate action to set the descent in motion is deploying the speed brakes.