When a jet is lighter, what is its likely descent behavior compared to when it is heavier?

When a jet is lighter, it experiences a quicker descent due to the reduced weight affecting its overall lift-to-drag ratio. In simpler terms, lighter aircraft need less lift to maintain flight, which translates into a more efficient descent. The aircraft's engines still produce the necessary thrust, but with less weight, the drag encountered during descent is also less significant. This allows the aircraft to descend at a steeper angle if needed, making the descent quicker.

In contrast, a heavier aircraft requires more lift to counteract its weight, which can make its descent more gradual and controlled. The difference in behavior is mainly because a lighter aircraft has a higher potential for maintaining speed while descending, and thus can do so more swiftly without compromising safety or stability. Additionally, the balance of forces acting on the aircraft changes with weight, further influencing the descent rate.