Definition
A descent profile flown at a fixed, unchanging vertical angle from the final approach fix to the runway, rather than stepping down through a series of level segments and altitude restrictions. The angle is typically around 3 degrees and produces a steady, predictable rate of descent throughout the final approach.
Plain English
Coming down on a single, smooth slope all the way to the runway instead of leveling off, descending, leveling off, descending again. One angle, held steady, the whole way down.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach and stabilized approach discussions, especially when planning how to descend from the final approach segment toward landing.
Why Pilots Care
Supports a stabilized approach, improves touchdown accuracy, and reduces the chance of an unstabilized landing.
Analogy
Think of a playground slide versus a staircase. Both get you to the bottom, but the slide is one smooth angle the whole way, while the staircase is a series of flat sections and drops. A constant angle descent is the slide.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane following a smooth invisible ramp down toward the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse constant angle descent with constant rate of descent. The path angle stays steady; the descent rate may change if groundspeed changes.
Example Sentence 1
The crew briefed a constant angle descent from the final approach fix to the runway, targeting roughly 700 feet per minute at their planned groundspeed.
Example Sentence 2
Using a constant angle descent kept the approach stabilized from the final approach fix to the runway.