AA.VII.C.K2aFAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge

a. Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Airspeed, including: a. Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance

Bottom line

The best airspeed for gliding is one at which the airplane travels the greatest forward distance for a given loss of altitude in still air.

Key numbers

Key numbers for a. Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance
NumberWhat it means
10 to 1 (example: 10,000 ft forward, 1,000 ft lost)Glide ratio
drag increases above or below best glide airspeedOff best glide

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 3 (pp. 3-21–3-23) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AFH ch. 9 (pp. 9-27–9-28) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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