What's the best way of reducing speed without losing control, assuming one's in AP's LNAV + the higher speed IAS to begin with? For example, slowing from 220 to 190 to 170, ready for flaps 9.This trainee understands the principles of thrust and attitude needing to find a new equilibrium, but can't quite work out which of the controls to pick first! :( Many thanks (and apologies for three threads in a row!).Best wishes,David Abrahams

David,It depends what is you're trying to do. Are you in level flight, or are you trying to descend and slow down at the same time?Assuming straight and level flight, the most expeditious way to slow down is to push the Condition Levers up to FLIGHT and attain 100% RPM, then reduce the Power Levers to Flight Idle. She'll slow down fairly well this way.If you're trying to slow down while descending, start with the above procedure, and switch your vertical mode to Vertical Speed and set the thumbwheel for a 500fpm (or less) descent). ATC expects you to maintain at least 500fpm, so thats a good minimum value.If ATC keeps you in close and high, a.k.a. the "slam dunk" approach, and you're worried about being able to get configured in time for a stablized approach, try this: Bring the CL's up to FLIGHT, Power to Flight Idle, and decelerate in level flight to 170kt. At 170kt, select gear down, flaps 9, and press IAS mode. The airplane will begin what amounts to a "max performance" descent. Once you level off at the assigned altitude, you can continue decelerating for flaps 15/25 without chewing up massive amounts of real estate like you would have if you had simply used a VS descent and allowed airspeed to build up to Vmo.

This is really helpful - and makes complete sense. Much obliged. I've understood the idea that ALT held + Flight Idle would cause the nose to rise and speed to drop - but probably need a little more practice. I hadn't pushed back up to 100% Flight Conditionand, so it'll be really interesting to see the difference this makes, compared to the 98% setting.If my understanding of your advice is correct, the low-ish VS descent value for combined decceleration and descent is designed to avoid ... acceleration. Hitting the IAS once intended speed is attained makes perfect sense too - clearly thrust has to come back up to the usual setting in good time for that speed in straight and level. The max performance routine is great learning for this newbie - many thanks for this too.Best wishes,David Abrahams