Definition
A descent flown on a constant heading with wings level, in which the aircraft loses altitude along a straight ground track. In instrument flying, straight descents are typically performed using either a constant airspeed or a constant rate of descent, with power, pitch, and configuration coordinated to hold the chosen parameter steady.
Plain English
Going down while flying straight ahead, with the wings level and the heading held steady. You either keep the speed the same or keep the rate at which you're losing altitude the same.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument training when practicing controlled descents by reference to the flight instruments before adding turns or more complex procedures.
Why Pilots Care
Enables precise altitude control without heading changes, supporting instrument approaches and safe traffic separation in IMC.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane keeping its nose pointed along the same path while it moves steadily downward.
Intuition Check
Straight does not mean level, and it does not mean nothing changes. Here, straight means no turn: the airplane keeps the selected direction while descending.
Example Sentence 1
After being cleared down to 4,000 feet, the pilot established a straight descent at 500 feet per minute while holding the assigned heading.
Example Sentence 2
Before the approach, the pilot used straight descents to lose altitude without changing course.