How far out do you need to start descending if you are at 24000 feet and need to reach 18000 feet?

To determine how far out you need to start descending from 24,000 feet to reach 18,000 feet, it is essential to consider a general rule of thumb used in aviation for descent planning. This involves using a 1,000 feet per 3 miles descent ratio for a standard descent.

In this scenario, you need to descend a total of 6,000 feet (from 24,000 feet to 18,000 feet). Based on the 1,000 feet per 3 miles rule, for every 1,000 feet of altitude you need to lose, you would typically begin your descent approximately 3 miles from your target altitude. Therefore, to descend from 24,000 feet to 18,000 feet, you would calculate the distance as follows:

6,000 feet ÷ 1,000 feet/mile = 6 (6 segments of 3 miles each)

6 segments × 3 miles/segment = 18 miles

As a result, you would need to start your descent approximately 18 miles out to meet your target altitude. This distance allows for a comfortable descent rate and ensures adequate time to manage descent adjustments and prepare for landing. Thus, the correct answer reflects the appropriate