What should pilots do if VNAV guidance does not meet expected profile during descent?

When VNAV guidance does not meet the expected profile during descent, pilots should evaluate aircraft performance and make manual adjustments as necessary. This approach is essential because the automated guidance provided by VNAV is based on calculated data, which may not always reflect the current conditions or performance of the aircraft.

Pilots must assess various factors such as altitude, airspeed, rate of descent, wind conditions, and throttle settings. By conducting this evaluation, they can determine whether manual adjustments to the descent rate or configuration of the aircraft are needed to ensure that they stay on a safe and efficient flight path.

This response allows pilots to maintain situational awareness and adapt to real-time conditions, ensuring a smooth descent while prioritizing safety and compliance with air traffic control instructions. Making manual adjustments when VNAV guidance is off allows pilots to apply their training and judgment to navigate effectively and safely.