What does the descent phase of a flight entail?

The descent phase of a flight is a critical part of the journey as it involves transitioning from cruising altitude to a lower altitude in preparation for landing. This phase begins when the aircraft starts its descent towards the destination airport, leading to the approach for landing. During this time, pilots will adjust the aircraft's altitude, speed, and configuration as they enter the approach phase, ultimately preparing for a safe landing.

This choice reflects the operational reality that the descent phase includes various steps such as reducing altitude, managing airspeed, and aligning the aircraft with the runway. It is a distinct phase that follows cruising and precedes landing, focusing on safely guiding the aircraft down to the airport environment where landing procedures will eventually commence.