Configuring the airplane.

Bottom line

In an emergency descent, the pilot should not allow the airplane's airspeed to pass VNE, VLE, or VFE, as applicable. The descent should be made at the maximum allowable airspeed consistent with the procedure used, which provides increased drag and a high rate of descent. The landing gear and flaps should be extended as recommended by the manufacturer, providing maximum drag so the descent can be made as rapidly as possible without excessive airspeed.