During descent into high terrain, which practice is recommended?

During descent into high terrain, which practice is recommended?

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

Answer: (C)

In high-terrain descent, two practices work together to keep you safe: terrain awareness and a controlled descent profile. Enabling the TERR display on the MFD/ND gives a real-time visual map of surrounding elevations relative to your altitude, so you can see high ground ahead even if you’re busy with other tasks. Having this active on at least one pilot’s display ensures the crew has shared awareness without requiring both pilots to manage the terrain view. At the same time, maintaining a controlled rate of descent helps you stay above the terrain and reduces the chance of triggering GPWS warnings from an overly aggressive or steep descent. When you combine visible terrain information with a steady descent rate, you’re better positioned to detect terrain hazards early and respond safely, which is why both practices are recommended.

In high-terrain descent, two practices work together to keep you safe: terrain awareness and a controlled descent profile. Enabling the TERR display on the MFD/ND gives a real-time visual map of surrounding elevations relative to your altitude, so you can see high ground ahead even if you’re busy with other tasks. Having this active on at least one pilot’s display ensures the crew has shared awareness without requiring both pilots to manage the terrain view.

At the same time, maintaining a controlled rate of descent helps you stay above the terrain and reduces the chance of triggering GPWS warnings from an overly aggressive or steep descent. When you combine visible terrain information with a steady descent rate, you’re better positioned to detect terrain hazards early and respond safely, which is why both practices are recommended.