If the aircraft passes the TOD point while in a Cruise Descent, what will happen to the VNAV PTH profile?

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Multiple Choice

If the aircraft passes the TOD point while in a Cruise Descent, what will happen to the VNAV PTH profile?

Top of Descent is the point where the planned descent to meet altitude constraints begins. When you’re in Cruise Descent, you’re already following the VNAV PTH profile, which means the aircraft is guided along the calculated descent path to meet those constraints. Crossing the TOD point does not cancel or disable that path; the VNAV PTH guidance remains active and will continue to steer the airplane down, automatically adjusting the descent gradient or vertical speed as needed to stay on the planned profile and reach the next constraint or the destination. In short, crossing TOD while in Cruise Descent keeps the VNAV PTH path in effect and it will continue to govern the descent.

Top of Descent is the point where the planned descent to meet altitude constraints begins. When you’re in Cruise Descent, you’re already following the VNAV PTH profile, which means the aircraft is guided along the calculated descent path to meet those constraints. Crossing the TOD point does not cancel or disable that path; the VNAV PTH guidance remains active and will continue to steer the airplane down, automatically adjusting the descent gradient or vertical speed as needed to stay on the planned profile and reach the next constraint or the destination. In short, crossing TOD while in Cruise Descent keeps the VNAV PTH path in effect and it will continue to govern the descent.

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