B737 NG BRIEFINGS

EMERGENCY DESCENT

This maneuver is designed to bring the airplane down smoothly to a safe altitude, in the minimum
time, with the least possible passenger discomfort.

Use of the autopilot is recommended by Boeing to cover any possible

incapacitation (Time of Useful Consciousness is dramatically reduced at high altitude).

This briefing addresses basic techniques and

procedures for a rapid descent. Some routes
over mountainous terrain require careful
operator planning to include carrying additional
oxygen, special procedures, higher initial level
off altitudes, and emergency routes in the event
a depressurization is experienced.

pilot

BOEING GENERIC QRH

These requirements are normally addressed in

an approved company route manual or other
document that addresses route specific
depressurization procedures.

An emergency descent is generally preceded by

a cabin altitude warning or a rapid
depressurization.

Rapid descents are normally made with the

landing gear up.
However, when structural integrity is in doubt
and airspeed must be limited, extension of the
landing gear may provide a more satisfactory
rate of descent.
If the landing gear is to be used during the
descent, comply with the landing gear placard
speed

Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 1

B737 NG BRIEFINGS

A generic emergency descent scenario is presented by Boeing in the FCTM:

Bear in mind that Special Procedures For In-Flight Contingencies (Emergency Descent
Procedures) are officially requested by a specific ICAO document, applicable in Europe. The Ref
ICAO DOC 7030 Proposal EUR/NAT S 01/29 EUR RAC/11 approved T13/4 E RQ L030104.ATM is available in the Emergency section of the Jeppesen manual (page EE-21) and is
reproduced below:
ACTION BY PILOT IN-COMMAND:
1. When an aircraft operated as a controlled flight experiences sudden
decompression or a (similar) malfunction requiring an emergency descent, the
aircraft shall, if able:
a. Initiate a turn away from the assigned route or track before commencing
the emergency descent;
b. Advise the appropriate air traffic control unit as soon as possible of
the emergency descent;
c. Set transponder Code to 7700 and select to Emergency Mode on the
Automatic on the automatic dependent surveillance/controller-pilot data
link communications (ADS/CPDLC) system if applicable;
d. Turn on exterior lights;
e. Watch for conflicting traffic both visually and by reference to ACAS (if
equipped) and
f. Coordinate its further intentions with the appropriate ATC unit.
2. The aircraft shall not descend below the lowest published minimum altitude
which will provide a minimum vertical clearance of 300 meters (1000 feet) or
in designated mountainous terrain 600 meters (2000 feet) above all obstacles
located in the area specified.
Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 2

B737 NG BRIEFINGS

It is recommended to use the CTR mode of the EFIS panel to better spot potential conflicting
traffics all around position while starting emergency descent. The advantage of using CTR mode
instead of EXPANDED mode is to have a 360 degree spotting, as shown below.
TWO DIFFERENT VIEWS FOR THE SAME POSITION

EXPANDED MAP Mode

CENTER MAP Mode

An emergency descent could be exceptionally flown manually even though this scenario is not
recommended by Boeing. In this case:
The entry may be accomplished on heading or a turn may be made to clear the airway or
controlled track. However, since extending the speedbrakes initially reduces the maneuver
margin, it is recommended that turns not be initiated until the airplane is established in the
descent.
Boeing does not specify any specific duty in its FCTM and prefers to give generic information:
- disconnect the autothrottles and retard thrust levers to idle.
- Smoothly extend the Speedbrakes
- Disconnect the autopilot
- Smoothly lower the nose to initial descent attitude (approximately 10 degrees nose down).
- About 10 knots before reaching target speed, slowly raise the pitch attitude to maintain target
speed.
- Keep the airplane in trim at all times.
- If MMO/VMO is inadvertently exceeded, change pitch smoothly to decrease speed.
- Approaching level off altitude, smoothly adjust pitch attitude to reduce rate of descent.
- The speedbrake lever should be returned to the down detent when approaching the desired
level off altitude. After reaching level flight add thrust to maintain long range cruise or 300
knots.
Note: Control Wheel Steering CWS (if installed) may be used to reduce pilot workload.
Follow the manually flown procedure but instead of disengaging the autopilot, engage CWS.
Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 3

B737 NG BRIEFINGS
EMERGENCY DESCENT

Example based on RYANAIR Procedures

CAPTAIN (PF)

FIRST OFFICER (PM)

REMARKS

- Call EMERGENCY DESCENT RECALL ITEMS

- Select ENGINE START switches to

CONT
- Advise ATC MAYDAY, MAYDAY,
MAYDAY, RYANAIR XYZ EMERGENCY
DESCENT ON HEADING ___,REQUEST
LOCAL QNH
- Squawk 7700
- Turn ON Turnoff and Inboard Landing
Lights
- Set QNH when obtained
- Verify MORA on Jepp Enroute chart

- The local QNH is requested to adapt the

level-off altitude

- Read all recall items in silence to check

all items have been correctly done
(announce any deviation)

- When descending with the A/P engaged and

S/B extended at speeds near VMO/ MMO, the
airspeed may momentarily increase to above
VMO/MMO if S/B are retracted quickly.
Retracting smoothly and slowly retract S/B to
allow the A/P sufficient time to adjust the pitch
attitude to maintain the airspeed within limits.

- Take Public Address and call EMERGENCY

DESCENT, EMERGENCY DESCENT,
EMERGENCY DESCENT (3 times)

1 - Verify autopilot engaged

2
3
4
5
6

- Select lower MCP altitude

- Select HDG SEL and turn 45 deg. off
Existing Heading or Track, terrain
Conditions permitting
- Select LVL CHG

- Monitor TCAS
- Call EMERGENCY DESCENT
RECALL ITEMS COMPLETE

- Close thrust levers manually (do not

disengage autothrottles)
- Extend smoothly the speedbrakes

- Anticipate turbulence and icing

requirements.

7 - Adjust MCP Speed

- Call every 10,000 feet during descent.

8 - Set QNH

- Call TWO TO GO
and ONE TO GO

9 - Reset MCP altitude at 10, 000 ft MORA /

MEA whichever is higher and respond to

altitude calls by CHECKED
10 - Retract Speedbrakes at the call two to go
and reduce speed at the call one to go
when approaching level-off altitude

- Public Address call is essential to enable the

cabin crew to start their specific duties.
- To be able to find the accurate MORA, one
pilot at least should have a Jeppesen Enroute
chart correctly folded on the part of the route
flown by the airplane

- The MCP speed has to be adjusted either to

M.82/340 kts or to be limited to current speed
(or less) if structural integrity exists or is
suspected. Do not assume structural integrity
unless it can be positively assured from the
flight deck.
- High maneuvering loads to be avoided
- During descent, the IAS/MACH speed
window changes from MACH to IAS at
approximately 300 KIAS. Manually reset to
VMO as needed.
- When reducing speed at the call one to go,
it will also reduce rate of descent.

LEVEL OFF

If CABIN altitude is at or below 10,000 ft, announce:

I HAVE ATC, REMOVE OXYGEN MASK

- Reply when appropriate: YOU HAVE

ATC
1 - Remove headset (around neck)

- Remove oxygen mask

3
4

- Press to reset oxygen mask and

Replace headset
- Switch to BOOM on ASP

- Establish comm with Captain

- F/O verifies pressurization system and

advise captain when CABIN ALTITUDE is
below 10,000 feet.
- Communication capabilities may be
significantly enhanced if and when the flight
crew can remove oxygen masks.

Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 4

B737 NG BRIEFINGS

CAPTAIN

FIRST OFFICER
- Reply when appropriate: I HAVE
ATC AND CONTROL

- Announce: YOU HAVE ATC AND CONTROL

- Remove headset (around neck)

- Remove oxygen mask

- Press to reset oxygen mask, put it on the

ground and put headset on

- Switch to BOOM on ASP

- Establish communication with F/O

- Determine new course of action based on weather,

oxygen, fuel remaining, system status, medical
condition of crew and passengers and available
airports.

- Obtain a new ATC clearance.

- Complete NNC.

- Announce over the PA NUMBER 1 TO THE

FLIGHT DECK IMMEDIATELY.
- When in contact with CSS initiate NITS drill by
saying THIS IS A NITS DRILL PLEASE LISTEN
CAREFULLY.

REMARKS
- Both pilots have to evaluate the situation: if
pressurization is restored, continue manual
operation. Emergency descent may be
terminated if cabin altitude is controllable.
If aircraft is depressurized, remember to
descend at a low rate of decent (500 ft/min for
optimum passenger comfort) when diverting to
the appropriate airfield.

NUMBER 1 TO THE FLIGHT DECK

IMMEDIATELY indicates an emergency and
the CSS will immediately go to the cabin
interphone and ask the Captain for NITS.
The Captain at this time may decide to unlock
the flight deck door and allow the CSS to
enter the flight deck for the NITS drill or he
may decide to keep the door locked and
continue all communication via the
interphone. This is at Captains discretion.
In conducting the NITS, the Captain shall
clearly state the individual components of the
drill, i.e.
NATURE OF THE PROBLEM IS...
INTENTIONS ARE ...
TIME AVAILABLE TO LANDING IS
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE...
The CSS will acknowledge the Captains
briefing by repeating back the NITS given and
must ask for clarification on anything not
understood or omitted.

- Make PA announcement to PAX, when time

permits.

Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 5

B737 NG BRIEFINGS

Avoid high maneuvering loads. If structural integrity is suspected, remember that use of
speedbrakes at speeds in excess of 320 kts could result in a severe vibration which, in turn, could
cause extreme damage to the horizontal stabilizer.

Do not be distracted from flying the aircraft.

Use of the V/S mode is not recommended.

Do not forget to reset local QNH.

Do not forget to take into account cold temperature altitude corrections when doing an emergency
descent in a mountainous area.

Copyright 2008 - SmartCockpit.com

Revision 05 (JAN.08)

B737NG BRIEFINGS

Page 6