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AA.VII.C.K2bFAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge

b. Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Airspeed, including: b. Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed

Bottom line

The best glide airspeed is used to maximize the distance flown. Minimum sink speed is used to maximize the time that the airplane remains in flight.

Key numbers

Key numbers for b. Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed
NumberWhat it means
a few knots less than best glide speed (generally)Min sink vs best glide

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 3 (pp. 3-22–3-23) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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