BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 59
Figure 4.8. Rate Climb.
4.3.4.6. Normal Cruise Level Off. To level off at a cruise altitude, adjust the cyclic
to maintain the desired airspeed with reference to the attitude indicator. Adjust
collective to maintain altitude.
4.3.4.7. Entering Descent. To enter a descent, reduce power to a setting that results
in the desired rate of descent (Figure 4.9). Maintain trim as the power is reduced. If
the initial power reduction does not produce the desired rate of descent, make
additional adjustments.
Figure 4.9. Rate Descent.
4.3.4.8. During Descent. During descent, the heading, attitude, and airspeed are
maintained with cyclic control. Rate of descent is controlled with collective and trim
is maintained with pedals. To level off from the descent, increase power prior to
reaching the desired altitude. This will arrest the descent rate in sufficient time to
prevent going below the desired altitude. The amount of lead depends on the weight
of the aircraft and the rate of descent. A good rule of thumb is to use about 10% of