"How does a PILOT KNOW when to DESCEND?" He looks down and says, "Shyit, that's my airport going by!"

Captain Joe is low key a savage with the girlfriend example 😂

If your girlfriend wants you to call 30 miles prior to arriving at her house then she's probably cheating on you. Lmao

Sounds pretty straight forward , give me a plane .

9:39 "You and your passengers will feel that descent but it's fun though" -*Captain Joe 2018*

If your girlfriend finds out about the transition to the ex's, you'll probably be diverted to a new destination!

Joe, I’m now retired but i used to do two descent profile calculations. First for the aircraft’s needs with similar techniques like you described but also a second calculation for the cabin pressurization needs to ensure a comfortable rate of descent for the passengers ears. Our department guidelines were a cabin climb of 500 fpm and only 300 fpm for descent. Taking the cabin from max diff to sea level could need more time than it might take to get the aircraft down. Especially with no anticipated restrictions and smooth air. Once both calculations were complete I would start the descent to match the longest time required to meet their numbers.

It is positively amazing that there are so many factors and calculations involved in landing.. I had no idea the pilot even still had that much control and input these days. I actually thought it was far more automated with electronics and software. While the instruments are obviously extremely sophisticated, this video made me realize that they only provide information and leave much more than I thought up to the the pilot. I'm sure there's tons of smart technology and automation but someone still has to understand and operate it all. This channel always leaves me struck with respect for how complex and precise the science of flight has become.

I love that he adds the math involved with all this, it helps to understand it all

And I thought parallel parking was hard!!!

How I do it on Flight simulators: 1) Have a general idea where the airport is. 2)Nose dive like hell until you get close to the ground. When you get the terrain warning, even better. 3) When you see the airport, nosedive then work your flaps and speed until you land.

Great Video, an easier to calculate V/S on 3deg Glide is to take GS and simply divide by 2 and add a zero. So in your example: 147÷2=75 add a zero and we have 750fpm

As an ATC, I would say it’s really useful for controllers to provide better services to pilots, thanks.

As an instrument student awaiting a checkride, I really love your videos. Some of this was a bit over my head as I’m flying just a little 172c but I apply the 3/6 rule. Alt to lose in thousands, times 3 for NM for TOD and ground speed x 6 for feet per minute decent rate.

Girlfriend/ex-girlfriend analogy is the best example ever!

Finally someone who taught me how to calculate the descent planning. Thank you!

If we have 4 ex girlfriends..It will cause delay

'Flying piano'

“Use the speed brake as necessary” 737 pilots: *laughs in glider*

I'm not a pilot but these videos are making me reconsider...

I am 81 years old, taking flying lessons and hope to become a commercial pilot in the next 3-5 years. This was very helpful.

Is the ex-girlfriend analogy based on real facts?

How does a pilot know when to decent? Math. Shit tons of math. Math here math there math everywhere. Touch down!

Aye Aye Capn, thank you very much for enlightening us on Aviation, your clips are short, audible, concise, clear, and understandable.

I am an Accountant, why am I watching this. 😂😂 Great video BTW

Captain Joe I watch every video of yours! Thank you for spending your time creating useful videos for people like me!

737 Max 8: “look at me... I am the captain now”

I'll need to replay this several time to get it completely. Thanks for taking the time to explain! Approach is on my radar.

Now I’m going to apply this knowledge on Prepar3D

Great video. Adding my own experience I use the following. For a three degree descent angle - use a vertical speed five times your ground speed. e.g. 500 knots GS use 2500 ft / min As a rule of thumb for the descent point. Altitude to lose / 300 = track miles to run. (or 3000 feet for every ten Nautical miles ) Say you are at 45,000 ft (I fly a Global Express) - descent point will be 45,000 / 3 = 15,000 / 100 = 150 Nautical miles. It works nicely all the way down. 45,000 ft - 150 Nm to run 42,000 ft - 140 Nm to run. 39,000 ft - 130 Nm to run 30,000 ft - 100 Nm to run. 15,000 ft - 50 Nm to run 3000 ft - ten Nm to run - straight down the ILS. Or just select Vpath and let the plane do it all :-)

im impressed with the amount of detail capt joe revealed to us with regards to the ropic in hand. in my perspective, an easier calculation for our required v/s (decent rate) at 8:19 with 150 gs is 15/2 add a zero. also. to know approximately how much track miles we need (in case of a straight in approach for a 3 degree decent) , suppose we are at 27000 ft with ariport elevation close to 0, 27x3 +10nm(for configuration) equals to 91NM. as for a downwind approach, we add 20 or 25nm to tbe 91nm i.e. 111NM total distance. Happy flying everyone.

Captain Joe: This is easy right? Me: Hell no! 😥

HELLO My name is Vaibhav I am from India I love your videos I’m still in 10th grade but it’s my dream to become a pilot Your videos give me the knowledge and motivation that gets me ready every day. Hope you read this comment

One thing I like your video more than Mentour because you are more funny and chilled . Everyone likes chilling in KZfaq. Great video

Use breaks extend flaps and make everyone in the back think they’re stalling and about to die 👏

So dry Joe, it's hilarious and educational at the same time. Thanks for the laugh and the awesome education. Love these videos

Flew for the first time in 10 years 2 weeks ago, your videos helped by giving a good understanding of what goes on in the background

Yeah, the 747 or the A320 are really falling like a brick. But the A330 is built for gliding!

Flew from LAX to Denver a while back. When the pilot announced "we're beginning our descent into Denver". I thought why are we descending? Why didn't we just climb to 5280 feet and go straight in? ;-)

Excellent, lucid presentation! Thanks Joe!

You arent decending, only acheiving new heights 👍✌

My favourite place to sit, for both comfort and safety, is a window seat near the wings. During takeoff and landing, I like to look out the window and keep my eye on the plane’s engine and wing on that side, just in case something goes wrong. That way, I can alert the flight crew to an emergency if something goes wrong!

I once went on a flight, here in South Africa, from Johannesburg in the north, to Port Elizabeth in the south. From about half way down there was a big cloud bank below. The plane, 737, was then coming down, through the clouds, with it vibrating. Then, below the clouds, was Port Elizabeth below. I thought it was amazing. It was also pouring with rain.

Hallo Captain Joe, vielen Dank für die vielen echt tollen Videos. Sie beantworten nicht nur spannende technische Fragen von Laien und Interessierten, sondern bei mir helfen auch viele deiner Videos gegen Flugangst. Wenn ich auch als Laie ein wenig die Flugbewegungen einschätzen kann fühle ich mich schon viel sicherer. Bitte weiter so, ist echt cool!

Lol, based on all the references and analogies in his videos, Joe must be a chick magnet and totally enjoying it 😀

Really well put together video Joe! It’s true that many people rely too much on the FMS and forget simple 3 degree mental math. I like how you also mention kinetic energy, because it’s easy to descend too low and drag the airplane in, but it’s also our job to fly the airplane most efficiently to minimize fuel burn and costs.

Nice that you mention the go-around as not being a failure! There have been a lot of accidents that could have easily been avoided with that simple maneuver!

This video was super helpful in comprehensively reviewing strategy to execute proper approach planning. Thanks!

I am not from aviation background but still I love to watch your videos because of your good explanation and neutral accent

I am an air traffic controller working at ACC departmant. (ANKARA (City)/TURKEY) thanx for video Joe 😊👍🏻

Wow. That video made me realize what an extraordinary job pilots do. My highest respect to all of you.

Thanks, Joe. If I'm ever on a plane where both captain and pilot are incapacitated, I'll be able to step in and land that sucker using your info. :)

Can you do a video on how to have a family life, and long layovers due to long haul? How much time do you spent at home compared to the time spent away

He lost me at “Get your brain ready...”

I always enjoy your videos captain, keep up the amazing work!

That visiting EX first before arriving to destination made me understand whole thing.. Dumping fuel before arriving to diverted location makes sense too.

Hi Joe. Thank you for your video. Please can you answer me one question: When calculating the speed to lose why do subtract the average speed from the present speed? Why not the target speed? Isn't it that you have to add the distance that you need to lose the total amount of your present speed to the target/APP speed. I would be thankful for a short explanation. :-)

Wow, I've learned a lot now. I thought the complete decent path is indicated by the ATC. I also thought, that this specified/fixed glide path is shown in the cockpit displays so that the pilot only has to follow this path by staying within the tolerance range. And finally I thought, the necessary adjustments to stay on the path are usually done by the autopilot and only sometimes a landing is performed manually by the pilot. Am I totally wrong with all these assumptions?

An alternate quick way of calculating vertical speed for a 3 degree glideslope is to divide your speed by two then add a zero. For example, 120 knots divided by two is 60, then add a zero and you get 600. 100 knots / 2 = 50 add a zero for 500. In your example of 150 knots, 150 / 2 = 75 add a zero 750. To me at least this is much easier than multiplying your speed by 5.

I was pretty stunned to learn that for the last 100 miles of a flight you are essentially coasting down while trying to lose speed the whole time, that's longer than most of the flights I have done on MSFS!

i love your videos you are the best youtuber and eventhough im not a pilot i still am inspired by you thank you and keep making more videos

I enter into my car, tune in favorite FM station, approach my gates with full headlights and honking. Mission accomplished

Thank you, Captain, I learnt a lot from this video series. ( Approach, ILS, Timing & Landing)

That is fascinating. I've flown a lot of quite a bit of the world...I have a rule....go to the bathroom 35 min before arrival time. By the time I return to my seat, the plane starts initial descent. I think it's funny when a lot of people stand up and get in line for the bathroom like they didn't know the flight was nearing the destination.

Captain. Regards from India . Just got my type done on 320 . And I was still a bit confused about the TOD when it comes to a smooth decision making ! Keep it up ❤️

Huh, I will stay in my lane as a passenger!

i will never fly an plane in my life but i enjoy listening to this guy explaining how airplanes work

Without all those fancy navigation/flight directors, I used this easy method for flying a 707-200. Alt to lose x 3 + 15 for straight in approach. for a approach requiring vectors or opposite direction landing - the 15. Made for comfortable descent and as with any approach it takes some fiddling to make it super smooth.

Hi Joe I have a question for you about the air conditioning packs can you do a video about how they work and why they are so damn loud? thanks dude

Thanks Captain! Just a simmer but you just answered questions I've had for the entire 15 years of simming. Love your videos! I'd be happy to fly with you anytime.

yeah some airstrips are quite above sea level and they may be shorter also stripwise. descend is really calculative and a pilot must have an experience of all types of airstrips.

About when a pilot descends depends on the Air Traffic Controller who has to consider the same factors BUT in conjunction with the rest of the other traffic. No pilot is alone up there to decide any climb or descend on his own will ignoring any other nearby flight.

Hey Captain Joe, Thx for your great postings. Since your flying cargo planes: can you tell something about the cargo handling on board (stability, securing, checking etc.) Take care!!

This is definitely key info, since Im simulating my flights using the PMDG 747-8 in P3DV4. Thanks Capt. Joe. Gotta note that lesson in Descent Planning. :)

Very nice video. 3 Times the altitude to lose plus 10 miles for slowing to 250 knots by 10000 works on for most medium jet aircraft. I check the altitude when doing that, and adjust speed slightly to compensate for a diverging profile. Slightly high, increase speed 10 knots, slightly low, decrease speed 10 knots. ATC often has other plans though flying around the busy USA Northeast/Midwest/SE Florida. Florida area, they get you down way too early, but as most their traffic funnels through the southern pan-handle, I can see why they have do this. Yes weight and wind are factors, but a good general way to cross check what the FMS(G) is doing is a quick math check to the nearest downrange along track descent waypoint as per above.

" mood of the traffic controller " ... Perfect !

I miss your Airbus videos ;(

Now I'm definitely a professional in infinite flight

You are my best of the blue sky!!! Thanks, Captain Joe!!

Thank's a lot Captain Joe. I've just started with my class for PPL and tou channel is very helpful. Thank you

Would make my day if u hearted

I learned some new things watching your video, but a lot of that I have done in my Microsoft Flight Simulator X it's been times I walked away from the computer and missed my descent point so I dropped gear and spoilers and had a very steep descent until I got to the safe zone so I can relate what you're talkin about some of it thanks again

1:23 CAPTAIN JOE This shows the T/D (Top of Descent point) in regards to the ENTERED FLIGHT PLAN on the FMGS (Flight Management Guidance Systems) on AIRBUS models or the FMS (Flight Management Systems) on the Boeing.

Many rules of thumb here. A simple technique I and many others use is height in 1000s above airport times three for distance to start the descent. 40k ft? 120 NM For a minimum rate of descent use Ground Speed times 5. 450 knots? 2250 FPM minimum. This puts you on a 3 degree glide slope. Adjust as needed on the way down to give time for below 250 knots and then below initial flap speed.

I suggest that you Make something talking about your personal experiences as a pilot.

Man, I was on a flight from Tampa back to Detroit a year or so ago with Delta. The pilot came over the PA, told us we were starting our decent, told the flight attendants to do whatever they're supposed to do. As we got closer to the airport, I hear the engines go down to almost idle. First thing I thought was 'damn, did we just run out of fuel?' Then the plane pitches down...and I don't mean down like a normal decent rate down, I mean like so far down that I heard bags start to slide forward in the overhead bins (this wasn't anywhere near a full flight so there was still room overhead) and I would have dropped my phone had I not been hanging on tightly to it. Then the sound of rushing air came, louder now because of the decreased engine noise. I looked out of the windows at the wings, and saw that the spoilers had come up (which at the time, I thought only were used on the ground) so now I'm like 'holy shit, I may need to start praying.' This happens for about 25 seconds, then the plane pitches back up, the spoilers go down, and the engines return back to their previous power setting. I looked around at the other passengers, some had a slight worried look on their face, others were just sitting there like this was normal. About two minutes later, the same thing happens again. Engine power reduced, plane pitches forward, spoilers come up. 30 seconds later, plane pitches up again, engines come back. This happens two more times, until we're finally close enough to the ground where I can see cars and sort of make out people walking and stuff like that. The rest of the landing was normal, we glided over the runway for a bit and then touched down, left wheel hitting the ground first and then the right wheel. I wanted to ask the Captain what the hell kind of approach that was, but he was out of the cockpit already before I got there. Crazy experience, had never happened to me before and never happened since. I assume what you described at 9:25 is what occurred.

Great video Capt!! Thankyou so much!!

Great video. Thanks for posting this. Have a nice day.

Bro , thank you so much . This was very very helpful. You are the best❤️❤️

Big fan Joe 🤗

This is pretty cool Cpt Joe...very informative ...thanks for sharing. Safe travels

I am going to be a nervous flyer from now on. Great job, Captain!

It took me a couple of times when you said "thumb rules" to work out what you were saying. It's a phrasing I've never heard used. The phrase used is typically "rules of thumb". 😂 Great video as always.

“Thumb rules” 😂

Love your channel Joe thx for this video

12 minutes of professional explanation of how to descend and In my mind all I can think of is playing Diddy Kong Racing and flying the plane lol

Or you could forgo safety, dive at the field, and land at VLE with a 3g flare. You've got 4 thrust reversers, 16 brakes, and 2 and a half miles of runway. I think you could do it.

Thank YOU JOE Sir ,I;m now practicing this on FSX Steam Edition ;)

Assuming you have completed a Flight Plan I found that ATC would help you plan your descent. They always helped me when I did my Instrument Rating on a Seneca Mk2. Having said that I am not a Glorious SFO !

!Thank you, it has been the best and most technical and sobering video I have seen so far ... thank you very much Captain Joe¡¡