According to the 217V1, does an aircraft always remain within the TERPS protected airspace during an immediate or rapid descent to the next lower altitude?

In the context of the 217V1 document, TERPS (Terminal Instrument Procedures) protected airspace is designed to ensure safe obstacle clearance for aircraft operations, particularly during approaches and descents. The question revolves around the aircraft's adherence to this protected airspace during an immediate or rapid descent.

The correct response indicates that an aircraft does not always remain within the TERPS protected airspace during such descents. Immediate or rapid descents often imply a departure from the prescribed or standard descent profiles, which can lead to situations where the aircraft may not maintain the necessary obstacle clearance specified by TERPS.

When an aircraft is descending rapidly, it may not have time to ensure compliance with the required lateral and vertical clearances from obstacles within its flight path. Therefore, it is crucial for pilots to adhere to standard descent profiles that are aligned with TERPS guidelines to maintain safety and avoid conflicting with protected airspace.

While there may be instances where an aircraft can remain within protected airspace during standard descents or when specific procedures are followed, the nature of an immediate or rapid descent introduces variabilities that negate the assurance of maintaining such clearances. This is why the assertion that an aircraft always remains within the TERPS protected airspace in these scenarios is inaccurate.