Definition
A descent flown with engine power applied rather than at idle, allowing the airplane to lose altitude at a controlled rate while maintaining a chosen airspeed. In a constant-speed propeller airplane, it is typically established by reducing manifold pressure to a setting below cruise while leaving the propeller control at a normal cruise RPM, then lowering the nose to hold the desired airspeed.
Plain English
A descent where the engine is still doing some work — not just idling. The pilot pulls back on power a bit, points the nose down a little, and the airplane comes down smoothly at a steady speed.
Context Anchor
Used during en route descents, descents toward an airport, and constant-speed propeller operations where the pilot must manage both engine power and propeller speed.
Why Pilots Care
Allows precise control of descent rate and airspeed while keeping the engine warm and the propeller in an efficient RPM range.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “power descent” means the airplane should climb because power is being used. The airplane can still descend when the pilot sets the airplane’s path downward while keeping some engine power in.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the destination, the pilot reduced manifold pressure by two inches and began a power descent at cruise airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
During the power descent the constant-speed propeller allowed the pilot to hold a steady 500-foot-per-minute rate without increasing airspeed.