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PA.IX.B.K2aFAA-S-ACS-6C · 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

Best glide airspeed maximizes the distance flown and is important when flying during an engine failure. Gliding at an airspeed above or below best glide speed increases drag and lessens the glide ratio.

Key numbers

Key numbers for a. Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance
NumberWhat it means
10 to 1 for 10,000 ft forward per 1,000 ft lostGlide ratio

FAA references

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