Continuous Descent Approach

A Continuous Descent Approach (CDA), also called Continuous Descent Operations (CDO), is an approach technique where the aircraft descends from cruise altitude with minimal level-off segments, ideally maintaining a continuous descent gradient to the runway.

Traditional approaches involve multiple step-down level segments directed by ATC, which require increased thrust and generate more noise and fuel burn.

• Reduces fuel consumption by 25–40% during the approach phase
• Significantly reduces noise footprint (3–5 dB reduction on the ground)
• Lowers emissions in the terminal area
• Requires coordination between FMS and ATC for traffic spacing
• Increasingly mandated at noise-sensitive airports during night hours