If a high sink rate is required on approach, what is required?

If a high sink rate is required on approach, what is required?

• A. A briefing is required
• B. Increase airspeed by 10 kt
• C. Descend to a lower altitude
• D. Continue with the approach

Answer: (A)

When a high sink rate is needed on approach, you must conduct a briefing before continuing. The briefing locks in the plan and ensures everyone on the crew understands the intended descent path, target airspeed and configuration, altitude milestones, and the go-around criteria if the descent becomes unsafe. It also clarifies who monitors each element (altitude, descent angle, airspeed) and who will execute the missed approach if needed, reducing ambiguity under a challenging approach. Raising airspeed by a fixed amount doesn’t address the core risk of a rapid, nonstandard descent and can worsen energy management if not coordinated. Descending to a lower altitude without a clear plan can disrupt the approach profile and reduce reaction time for proper stabilization. Continuing with the approach without coordination increases the chance of miscommunication and an unsafe outcome in a high sink rate scenario.

When a high sink rate is needed on approach, you must conduct a briefing before continuing. The briefing locks in the plan and ensures everyone on the crew understands the intended descent path, target airspeed and configuration, altitude milestones, and the go-around criteria if the descent becomes unsafe. It also clarifies who monitors each element (altitude, descent angle, airspeed) and who will execute the missed approach if needed, reducing ambiguity under a challenging approach.

Raising airspeed by a fixed amount doesn’t address the core risk of a rapid, nonstandard descent and can worsen energy management if not coordinated. Descending to a lower altitude without a clear plan can disrupt the approach profile and reduce reaction time for proper stabilization. Continuing with the approach without coordination increases the chance of miscommunication and an unsafe outcome in a high sink rate scenario.