How is descent gradient measured?

Descent gradient is effectively measured by the ratio of altitude lost to the distance traveled horizontally. This measurement is often expressed as a percentage or a ratio, indicating how much altitude is lost per unit of horizontal distance covered. For example, if an aircraft descends 1,000 feet while traveling 10,000 feet horizontally, the descent gradient would be 10%.

This method is particularly useful in aviation because it directly associates the altitude change with the forward movement, providing pilots with an intuitive understanding of how steep the descent is in relation to the path traveled over the ground. Such information is critical for managing a safe approach and landing, allowing pilots to calculate the necessary glide path accurately.

Understanding this measurement helps pilots maintain appropriate settings for airspeed and descent rate while considering terrain and other factors during approach and landing phases.