In an engine-out scenario, how should you determine glide distance and best-glide speed?

• A. Use the aircraft’s best-glide speed (Maximum lift-to-drag) and estimate distance to a suitable landing site based on wind and altitude.
• B. Continue at full power and climb to reach a safer altitude.
• C. Use stall speed to estimate distance.
• D. Glide at the lowest possible airspeed regardless of distance.

Answer: (A)

In an engine-out situation, the objective is to reach a suitable landing area with the greatest possible distance you can glide. The best-glide speed is the airspeed that gives maximum lift-to-drag ratio. At that speed, the airplane converts altitude into the most horizontal distance because drag is minimized relative to lift, so you can glide farther for a given height. Set the plane in clean configuration (no extra drag from flaps or gear) and use the airplane’s POH data to know the exact best-glide speed. Then estimate how far you can reach by applying the glide ratio to your current altitude and adjusting for wind: a headwind reduces ground distance, a tailwind increases it.

As you plan, remember you’re not looking to climb or to fly at the slowest possible speed. Pushing for power or climbing eliminates the glide advantage, and flying at stall speed or at the lowest airspeed increases drag and shortens the glide distance.