What is the descent rate limit below 2,500 feet AGL?

• A. No more than 2,000 fpm
• B. No more than 2,500 fpm
• C. No more than 1,500 fpm
• D. No more than 1,000 fpm

Answer: (C)

As you descend toward the airport, there’s a maximum safe rate of descent to use once you’re within 2,500 feet AGL. The limit is 1,500 feet per minute. This keeps the approach stable and controllable, helps you meet altitude constraints on the approach, and provides a safe margin to respond to any need to go around. Descending faster than this would compress your altitude loss into a shorter distance, making it harder to stay on the published profile and increasing the risk of overshooting or abrupt adjustments. You can descend more slowly if needed, but 1,500 fpm is the upper limit you should not exceed in this segment.