During descent, how does a pilot manage cabin pressure?

During descent, a pilot manages cabin pressure primarily through the cabin pressurization system. This specialized system is designed to control and maintain the pressure within the aircraft cabin, ensuring that it remains at a comfortable and safe level for passengers and crew, despite changes in external atmospheric pressure as the aircraft descends.

By using the cabin pressurization system, the pilot can adjust the outflow of air from the cabin, which allows for a controlled decrease in pressure as the aircraft descends. This gradual adjustment helps to prevent rapid changes in cabin pressure that could lead to discomfort or potential physiological issues for those on board, such as barotrauma.

The other choices, while potentially involved in overall flight management, do not directly address the specific task of regulating cabin pressure during descent. The manipulation of engine thrust levels primarily affects the aircraft’s speed and descent rate, while changing flight control surfaces impacts the aircraft's aerodynamic performance and handling rather than cabin pressure. Rapid altitude changes may lead to issues with cabin pressure management, making this approach less effective and potentially dangerous.