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AI.XII.B.R1FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.

Bottom line

The best glide airspeed maximizes the distance flown and occurs at the highest lift-to-drag ratio; any change in gliding airspeed results in a proportional change in the distance flown. Glide airspeeds that are too slow or too fast may result in the airplane not being able to make the intended landing spot, and possibly stalls and an accident. Attempting to stretch a glide with elevator back pressure is likely to lead to landing short and may even lead to loss of control if the airplane stalls.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 3 (pp. 3-22–3-24) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AFH ch. 9 (pp. 9-27–9-28) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AFH ch. 3 (p. 3-21) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-35) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. SEA ch. 7 (p. 7-8) — FAA-H-8083-23
  7. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-28) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  9. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-6) — FAA-H-8083-9B
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