So I picked up Radar Contact for use with FSX. I did my first run with it last night, and have a question that not so much pertains to RC, but to proper procedure... I was at cruise altitude and was given the clearance to descend AFTER I had passed the programmed descend "point". I figured that ATC would take precedent, so I waited until ATC commanded me to start my descent, but that caused me to go with a rather harsh rate (causing speed issues). Is this the proper way to do it? If so, is there anyway I can notify ATC to request the start of my descent in Radar Contact a bit earlier? Thanks!

ATC arent to bad, but if flying Jest at altitude I usually request a descent 130 to 140 nm out, this means ATC should start diverting you on you way down, it sort of put upu a little ahead of them. or you get that really fast decent issue

Use this simple formula to calculate top of decent:> Multiply the number of thousands of feet of decent by 3 (35,000 ft to 10,000 ft is a difference of 25 thousand feet. Multiply 25 by 3. 25*3 = 75). You start your decent to 10,000 feet from 75 miles out.> Now, lets say your ground speed is 450 kts. Divide your ground speed by 2 (450/2 = 225). Now multiply your answer (225) by 10 (225*10 = 2250). Your decent rate will be 2250 FPM while maintaining 450kts ground speed. Of course, if you want to use a slower ground speed then use that number instead and do the math.This formula will give you a descent with a 3 degree downslope.There are other useful formulas here.

Thanks for the great tips. I used the tips given on a flight, and was able to get down at a comfortable rate-- and without getting behind the ball.

Use this simple formula to calculate top of decent:> Multiply the number of thousands of feet of decent by 3 (35,000 ft to 10,000 ft is a difference of 25 thousand feet. Multiply 25 by 3. 25*3 = 75). You start your decent to 10,000 feet from 75 miles out.> Now, lets say your ground speed is 450 kts. Divide your ground speed by 2 (450/2 = 225). Now multiply your answer (225) by 10 (225*10 = 2250). Your decent rate will be 2250 FPM while maintaining 450kts ground speed. Of course, if you want to use a slower ground speed then use that number instead and do the math.This formula will give you a descent with a 3 degree downslope.There are other useful formulas here.

I find just multiplying the groundspeed by 5 easier.. one step. Easier to learn a multiplication table.

Yep, I just do a quick mental calculation taming acount my groundspeed and rate of descent to work out when I should start to descend.I have a target in mind and monitor to see if my clculations were correct along the way, increasing or reducing the descent rate slightly if I was not 100% spot on.I use this method whether flying a slow aircraft or a big jet.IAN