Pilot/Controller Glossary

EMERGENCY DESCENT MODE

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

This automated system senses conditions conducive to hypoxia (cabin depressurization). If an aircraft is equipped and the system is activated, it is designed to turn the aircraft up to 90 degrees, then descend to a lower altitude and level off, giving the pilot(s) time to recover.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.