We've all been left a little too high to make a crossing restriction or a safe visual approach. Here's what you can do to descend quickly...

1) Slow Down

The first thing you should do when you need to descend quickly is slow down. The higher your groundspeed, the higher descent rate required to meet a crossing restriction.

2) Configure Flaps Early

Slow below flap extension speed and get the first few notches of flaps down. Increase drag and lift will improve your descent rate at the same airspeed.

3) Put The Landing Gear Down Early

If you really need to slow down, extending the landing gear can be a great way to add a lot of drag. The downside is noise and vibrations caused by flying for extended times with gear-down.

4) Ask ATC For Turns Or A "360"

There's no harm in asking ATC for a little help when you just can't make a crossing or look too high on final approach. Ask for extended vectors or a quick 360 to allow you enough time to descend.

5) Say "Unable"

When you receive an instruction you just can't comply with, say "unable." Explain you need more room to make the descent and you'll get a new crossing restriction.

How else can you descend quickly? Tell us in the comments below.

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