During the RNAV (GPS) RWY 36 approach to LIT at a groundspeed of 105 knots, what is the vertical descent angle and rate of descent on final approach?

To determine the vertical descent angle and rate of descent on the RNAV (GPS) RWY 36 approach at a groundspeed of 105 knots, it is important to understand how to calculate the required rate of descent based on the desired approach angle and groundspeed.

The typical vertical descent angle for an RNAV approach is often around 3 degrees, which strikes a balance between safety and comfort. At a groundspeed of 105 knots, the descent rate can be calculated using the following formula:

[ \text{Rate of Descent (ft/min)} = \text{Groundspeed (knots)} \times 5 ]

So, if we convert 105 knots to feet per minute:

[ 105 \text{ knots} \times 1.68781 \text{ (to convert knots to feet/min)} \approx 177.2 \text{ feet/sec} ]

[ 177.2 \text{ (ft/sec)} \times 60 \text{ (sec/min)} \approx 10632 \text{ feet/min} ]

Then, using the simplified formula for descent rate at a standard 3-degree angle:

[ \text{Rate of Descent (ft/min)} \approx \text