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What is the primary action a pilot must take during descents to maintain airspeed?

  1. Increase engine power

  2. Reduce engine power

  3. Maintain flight level

  4. Adjust the pitch significantly

The correct answer is: Reduce engine power

The primary action a pilot must take during descents to maintain airspeed involves reducing engine power. As an aircraft descends, it naturally gains speed due to the gravitational pull. To counteract this and maintain a desired airspeed, the pilot reduces the thrust produced by the engines. This action allows the aircraft to control its rate of descent while preventing it from accelerating beyond the safe operating speed. Managing airspeed during descent is crucial for a variety of reasons, including maintaining control and stability, optimizing fuel efficiency, and ensuring safe handling characteristics of the aircraft. By reducing engine power appropriately, the pilot can achieve a controlled descent, keeping the aircraft within the desired performance parameters.