A system and method automatically control an emergency descent of an aircraft to a target altitude. Factors including weather, traffic, terrain, special use airspace, distance to an alternate, time above 10,000 feet, and time airborne are considered in deciding on descent airspeed, aircraft heading, and selection of an alternate. The target altitude may be redefined after activation of a Terrain Advisory and Awareness System. A vertical speed, or rate of descent, may be adjusted after receiving a resolution advisory from a traffic clearance and avoidance system if the maneuver with maximum operating speed generates excessive normal acceleration. Initiation of the emergency descent will be transmitted via radio and data link communication and automatic selection of a mode declaring a state of emergency on the traffic clearance and avoidance system.