Definition
The waypoint in a Flight Management System (FMS) vertical navigation profile that marks the point where the descent ends and level flight resumes. It defines the bottom of a planned descent path, fixing both the geographic position and the target altitude at which the descent terminates.
Plain English
The point on the route where the airplane finishes coming down and levels off. The FMS uses it to know where the descent should stop.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure and flight management system discussions when planning a VNAV descent.
Derivation
Simply the initials of 'end-of-descent.' The slash separates the two letters so it is not confused with the word 'Ed.'
Why Pilots Care
It confirms the aircraft will be at the correct altitude to continue safely into the next segment or approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture the E/D as the planned finish line for one descent segment, not necessarily the end of all descending before landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read “end-of-descent” as “the airplane stops descending for the rest of the approach.” It means the planned descent segment ends at that waypoint and altitude.
Example Sentence 1
After loading the arrival, the crew checked that the E/D was set at 10,000 feet over the published fix.
Example Sentence 2
Check the E/D waypoint altitude before starting descent to ensure the vertical path is valid.