During descent into an area with high terrain, which statements regarding TERR and descent rate are correct?

During descent into an area with high terrain, which statements regarding TERR and descent rate are correct?

• A. One pilot must have TERR selected on the MFD/ND
• B. Pilots will maintain a controlled rate of descent to prevent an inadvertent GPWS activation
• C. Both "a" and "c" are correct
• D. Neither "a" nor "c" is correct

Answer: (C)

In high-terrain descent, keeping terrain awareness active and maintaining a steady descent rate are both essential. Having TERR selected on the MFD/ND ensures at least one pilot has a live terrain display, showing elevations and potential conflicts relative to your flight path. This visual cue helps you gauge safe altitudes and plan a descent that stays clear of terrain, reducing the chance of surprises ahead. A controlled descent rate complements that awareness by preventing rapid altitude loss that could bring you into terrain or trigger GPWS warnings. GPWS uses terrain proximity and descent rate as part of its alert logic, so a stabilized, managed descent helps avoid inadvertent alerts and gives you time to react if terrain starts to rise ahead. Together, these practices support safe operation in areas with high terrain, which is why both statements are considered correct.

In high-terrain descent, keeping terrain awareness active and maintaining a steady descent rate are both essential. Having TERR selected on the MFD/ND ensures at least one pilot has a live terrain display, showing elevations and potential conflicts relative to your flight path. This visual cue helps you gauge safe altitudes and plan a descent that stays clear of terrain, reducing the chance of surprises ahead.

A controlled descent rate complements that awareness by preventing rapid altitude loss that could bring you into terrain or trigger GPWS warnings. GPWS uses terrain proximity and descent rate as part of its alert logic, so a stabilized, managed descent helps avoid inadvertent alerts and gives you time to react if terrain starts to rise ahead.

Together, these practices support safe operation in areas with high terrain, which is why both statements are considered correct.