12/8/2006 FLIGHT TRAINING AND STANDARDS MANUAL
ECLIPSE 500
© Eclipse Aviation Corporation, 2006
59
most situations in the Eclipse 500 is 1500 to 1800 fpm for the standard 3° descent
profile.
To fly the standard Eclipse 500 descent profile: maintain cruise N1 setting and
adjust pitch to maintain your computed rate of descent. As indicated airspeed
increases, adjust N1 to maintain 250 KEAS. Update your descent profile every
5,000 feet and adjust your rate of descent as necessary.
Another profile is the idle descent. This descent will vary based on the airspeed in
which it is flown, but if flown at the same speeds as the previously described 3°
profile, it will result in approximately a 6° profile taking half the distance to descend
at twice the rate of descent (~3,000 to 3,600 fpm).
There will be situations when ATC will keep you high, for whatever reason, until
much later (steeper) than either the 3° or the idle profiles. In this case extra drag—
gear and/or flaps—might be appropriate. Keep in mind the limitations in terms of
altitude and airspeed and always remember to say “unable” to ATC if they ask
something beyond your performance capabilities.
Approach
The approach phase can be one of the most critical, challenging and stressful
phases of any flight. Again, planning and preparation are the keys to success.
You should always plan and self brief the arrival, approach, and missed approach
during a low workload time such as at cruise—just prior to beginning your initial
descent. Proficiency is also critical. Instrument flying is a perishable skill. It must
be practiced on a regular basis in order to keep our skills equal to the task.
Whenever possible and appropriate, plan on flying an instrument approach even if
in VFR conditions.
Cockpit organization
In the spirit of staying ahead of the jet, have any/all materials you may need during
the approach arranged and readily accessible before actually beginning to fly the
approach. Set up the PFD and MFD, and avionics to the maximum extent possible
as early as possible.
Briefing
There are many techniques of briefing an instrument approach. The purpose of
the briefing is to become completely familiar with how to safely fly the approach
and missed approach while minimizing workload. Any technique will suffice as
long as all critical areas are covered. The “briefing strip” on many approach plates
covers the required data.
Autopilot
Although hand-flying an instrument approach can be done from time to time for
proficiency purposes, the autopilot should normally be used to the maximum extent
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