B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation - Speed All Types
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
Airplane was cruising at FL370; .80M; [and] CI 100. We were assigned to descend to FL360. First Officer elected V/S at 1300 FPM. During descent ATC ordered a left turn of 15 degrees AOB. In turn; I observed the Speed Trend Vector went into the Maximum Operating Speed bar. I took the airplane; disengaged the autopilot and leveled the aircraft. During the maneuver; the aircraft experienced a high-speed buffet for 1 to 2 seconds. The Stick Shaker Symbol appeared above the Airplane Symbol and the Flight Path Vector Indication was below the Airplane Symbol. The Stick Shaker Symbol disappeared once the buffeting ceased. There was no loss of airspeed; no stick shaker; no airspeed limitation exceedance; and no altitude deviation. ACARS generated a TAPS [Turbulence Auto-PIREP System] report: RPTS SEVERE TAPS EVENT. Dispatch inquired via ACARS if we experienced a severe turbulence incident? I responded via ACARS that we did not and added 'concur that no maintenance action required' Dispatch agreed that no maintenance was required. No maintenance entry was made. The remainder of the flight was uneventful. Possible suggestions/causes include but not limited to: - The selection of vertical speed versus altitude intervene or descend now prompt. - During discussion; First Officer stated that he initially selected 1300 FPM. We discussed use of V/S at high altitude; other modes of descents; and selecting a smaller FPM selection. - The action of leveling the aircraft in response to the airspeed trend. - Flying close to max speed in compliance with the flight plan.
During descent from FL370 to FL350 at 1;300 FPM and a 15 degree AOB; the Captain notes the speed trend vector move into the overspeed area and assumes control of the aircraft to reduce airspeed.