Descent & Radar Approach Setup
intermediateUK phraseologyRequest descent inbound to a radar approach, then accept and read back a descent to an altitude with the QNH, a radar heading and a speed. Learn the three-part descent readback (descend, altitude, QNH) and the mandatory readbacks for vectors and speed control.
Briefing
You are inbound to Bournemouth (EGHH) in Cirrus SR22 G-CIRS, being radar-vectored for the ILS runway two six. Bournemouth Radar is on 119.475. Request descent and fly the controller’s vectors onto the approach.
Practise this scenario
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- Exchange 1
Call Bournemouth Radar and request descent.
💡 Request descent — do not start down until you are cleared. "Request lower" is FAA-flavoured slang; standard UK phraseology is "request descent".
- Exchange 2
ATC: “Golf Romeo Sierra, descend to altitude three thousand feet, QNH one zero zero nine.”
Read back the descent. Descend, the altitude and the QNH are all mandatory.
💡 A descent to an altitude is read back with all three elements: the descent, the altitude and the QNH it is referenced to. Say "altitude" (not "flight level") when below the transition level.
- Exchange 3
ATC: “Golf Romeo Sierra, turn left heading two seven zero degrees, radar vectors ILS runway two six.”
Read back the heading. The heading is a mandatory readback item.
💡 Headings are mandatory readbacks. Read back the direction of turn and the heading; the "radar vectors ILS" part is context and does not need reading back.
- Exchange 4
ATC: “Golf Romeo Sierra, reduce speed one six zero knots.”
Read back the speed. The speed is a mandatory readback item.
💡 Speed control instructions are mandatory readbacks — read back the assigned speed so the controller knows the sequencing spacing will be met.
Background reading
- GuideMastering VNAV Descent: Stop Arriving Too High and Too Fast
How VNAV descent works in the PMDG 737 and Airbus A320 — PATH vs SPD, managed descent, altitude constraints, and how to recover when you're too high.
- GuideWhy VNAV Doesn't Work When You Turn On the Autopilot
VNAV won't engage or won't descend in MSFS 2024? The 6 most common causes on the PMDG 737 and Airbus A320 — and exactly how to fix each one.
- GuideCrosswind Landings in MSFS 2024: Crab, Sideslip, and De-Crab Explained
Master crosswind landings in MSFS 2024. Learn the crab, sideslip, and de-crab techniques with step-by-step instructions for the Cessna 172, A320, and 737.