What is the rate of descent for an aircraft in degrees per second?

The rate of descent for an aircraft is typically measured in terms of its vertical speed, which indicates how quickly an aircraft is losing altitude. When expressed in degrees per second, this measurement provides a clear way to understand the steepness of the descent in a comparative manner.

A descent rate of 3° per second signifies that the aircraft is maintaining a moderate but effective descent angle. This rate is often considered optimal for certain phases of flight, like approach and landing, where a balanced and controlled descent is necessary for safety and performance.

In aviation contexts, understanding descent angles is essential for pilots as they manage their approach to ensure a safe landing. A descent that is too steep can lead to increased drag and may compromise control, while one that is too shallow can extend the distance covered during the descent, possibly affecting the landing approach.

Thus, a rate of descent of 3° per second reflects a practical and commonly accepted descent rate that balances performance with safety considerations in an aircraft's flight profile.