Abstract: A method for providing off-path guidance during a descent comprises the steps of determining a current altitude (H) and a corresponding current horizontal distance (X) of the aircraft from a selected bottom of descent point (B/D). A simulation of a Basic Descent Path (BDP) is performed, and a plurality of corresponding altitude (H.sub.i) and horizontal distance (X.sub.i) points is stored in a BDP array. A horizontal distance (X.sub.B) is determined from the B/D point to a bottom point of the BDP array, and a horizontal distance (X.sub.A) is determined in the BDP array that corresponds to the current aircraft altitude. A radius of a BDP circle is obtained by subtracting X.sub.B from X.sub.A for display on a navigation display unit. An aircraft symbol is displayed on the Navigation Display unit at a distance proportional to X.sub.A, thereby indicating the distance remaining until to start of descent of the aircraft.