What is the process to calculate descent rate?

To determine the descent rate, the correct approach involves understanding the relationship between altitude change and time during descent. When calculating the descent rate, it is essential to take the altitude that needs to be descended and divide it by the time it takes to descend that altitude.

The formula essentially used for this is:

Descent Rate = Change in Altitude / Time Taken for Descent

This provides a measurement of how quickly the altitude is changing, expressed typically in feet per minute or meters per second.

Using ground speed divided by the distance to travel does not directly relate to how fast an aircraft is descending; rather, it measures how quickly the aircraft is covering horizontal ground. Therefore, it does not reflect the vertical speed needed for descent calculations.

Thus, this understanding reinforces why the other statements, especially the one chosen, do not accurately reflect the necessary calculations for descent rate.