What is the primary purpose of operating at the best-glide speed during engine-out?

• A. To maximize climb rate in case of recovery.
• B. To maximize glide distance to a suitable landing site.
• C. To maximize time aloft.
• D. To minimize fuel consumption.

Answer: (B)

When power is lost, the airplane becomes a glider, and the goal is to cover as much distance as possible with the altitude you have. The best-glide speed is the airspeed at which the lift-to-drag ratio is highest, giving the greatest glide range. At this speed, you convert the most of your altitude into horizontal distance, so you can reach a suitable landing site rather than landing short or in a less favorable spot.

If you fly faster than this speed, parasite drag increases and you lose glide distance; if you fly slower, induced drag rises and you descend more steeply, also reducing distance. So the primary purpose is to maximize glide distance to a suitable landing site. The other choices aren’t relevant in an engine-out glide: climb isn’t possible, time aloft isn’t the objective, and fuel consumption isn’t a factor since the engine isn’t delivering power.