# Aviation Descent Calculator > Calculate flight descent distance and vertical speed for smooth arrivals. (iPhone/iPad app by Big Fat Simulations Inc..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aviation-descent-calculator/id1045850813 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Big Fat Simulations Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/578114758) - Category: Utilities, Navigation - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 2.80/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 6.0 · 24 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2015-10-13 - Data updated: 2026-09-06 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aviation-descent-calculator/id1045850813/reviews.md ## What is Aviation Descent Calculator? Descent Calculator quickly and accurately calculates the distance and vertical speed you need to fly a smooth, controlled climb or descent. Never arrive at your destination too high again! Built by a team of commercial pilots and air traffic controllers, Descent Calculator was designed with simplicity in mind. We've built you a HUGE ALWAYS-OPEN keypad that enables you to enter data easily, even in HEAVY TURBULENCE. Don't struggle with the traditional mobile keyboard that's too small, has unnecessary keys, and often hides itself when you need it most. Have you ever been unsure of when to start descent for your destination? Are you one of those pilots who waits until they see the airport, before thinking about descent? This practice is dangerous, hard on your engines, and uncomfortable for pilots. Starting a descent late increases the likelihood of engine cylinder wear from shock cooling. A late descent can easily put your airspeed into the yellow arc. Descending late will also hurt your passengers' ears. There are some rules of thumb that a pilot can use for making descent calculations, such as the "Rule of Three" or "3:1 Rule of Descent". Descent calculator is easy to use, and very accurate. And, it can be used for both climbs and descents. Did ATC give you a crossing restriction? Is there higher terrain ahead? Calculate and re-calculate your descent distance and required vertical speed quickly with the Descent Calculator. After inputting your current altitude, target altitude, desired vertical speed and groundspeed, Descent Calculator will tell you how many miles are required. You can then update the mileage result with your actual distance-from-field, and your vertical speed gets automatically re-calculated for you. Arrive at your destination in control! ## Key features - Calculate descent distance and vertical speed - Smooth climb and descent planning - Large, always-open keypad - Accurate calculations - Supports climb and descent ## Recent user reviews (6 of 6) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aviation-descent-calculator/id1045850813/reviews.md ### 3/5 — What ARE the units? *2020-10-03* Seems like that ought to be clarified.... ### 1/5 — Units? *2018-07-18* What are the units? Seconds? Nautical miles? I need to be able to change them... ### 5/5 — GIV-SP Capt *2017-08-12* I have numerous Jet Type Ratings. Left seat of GIVs for 20+ years. This app is extremely useful to quickly back up the Honeywell FMS VNAV calculations and compute a VDP, during pre flight for any IFR Approach that does not have the VDP published on the Approach Plate. Excellent UI, very well thought out. ### 1/5 — Very bad *2017-07-04* Don't buy ### 5/5 — Descent calculator *2017-01-22* Very simple and does exactly what it claims to do. A very handy app ### 2/5 — Aviation Descent Calculator *2015-10-23* If the world were straight then this app would work but a descent is not straight. Airspeed may not change but ground speed changes as the descent gets closer to the earth. This app's values would have to change as the ground speed changes assuming all other factors remain constant which of course they do not. Interesting toy but not of any value even for sims. ## Frequently asked questions about Aviation Descent Calculator ### What is Aviation Descent Calculator used for? Aviation Descent Calculator helps pilots quickly and accurately determine the distance and vertical speed required for a smooth descent or climb to their destination. It aims to prevent pilots from arriving too high, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. ### Who developed Aviation Descent Calculator? Aviation Descent Calculator was developed by Big Fat Simulations Inc., a team that includes commercial pilots and air traffic controllers. ### What makes the keypad in Aviation Descent Calculator unique? The app features a large, always-open keypad designed for easy data entry, even in challenging conditions like heavy turbulence. This contrasts with standard mobile keyboards that can be small and hide unexpectedly. ### Can Aviation Descent Calculator be used for climbs as well as descents? Yes, the calculator is versatile and can be used for both climb and descent calculations. This allows pilots to plan for various flight phases. ### How accurate is Aviation Descent Calculator? The app is described as very accurate, providing precise calculations for descent distance and required vertical speed based on user-inputted data such as current altitude, target altitude, desired vertical speed, and groundspeed. ### What is the price of Aviation Descent Calculator? Aviation Descent Calculator is a paid application, priced at $1.99. It does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements. ### On which devices can I use Aviation Descent Calculator? Aviation Descent Calculator is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is compatible with iOS devices. ### How often is Aviation Descent Calculator updated? The latest version of Aviation Descent Calculator is 1.1, which was released on October 6, 2017. The app has not received updates since then. ## Version history (last 2 releases) ### 1.1 — 2017-10-06 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Added 64-bit compatibility. ### 1.0 — 2015-10-13 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Aviation Descent Calculator | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [ZUL: Rotativo Digital BH](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zul-rotativo-digital-bh/id1405185380) | 4.9 (291) | Free | Utilities | | [HelPaw](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helpaw/id1413671020) | — | Free | Utilities | | [电子联单](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1370337220) | — | Free | Utilities | | [橙子浏览器－新闻阅读小说软件](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1155896720) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Utilities | | [ONI system](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oni-system/id1156895480) | — | Free | Utilities | | [NaviLU](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navilu/id1383683700) | — | Free | Utilities | ## More apps by Big Fat Simulations Inc. - [Approach Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control/id590289016) - [Airport Time Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airport-time-machine/id661767360) - [Airport Time Machine Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airport-time-machine-lite/id680070382) - [Airport Madness 4](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airport-madness-4/id828018238) - [Midair Madness](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midair-madness/id861811013) - [Radar Chaos World Edition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/radar-chaos-world-edition/id885667958) All apps by Big Fat Simulations Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/578114758 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-06.*