Glide

Chapter 8.5

Characteristics of gliding

Gliding is a descent flight in the absence of engine power.

In motorized flight, gliding is performed during forced landing exercises or when the engine fails.

In a gliding flight, the speed is adjusted by changing the attitude with the elevator control.

Gliding Speed for the longest Distance - V best glide

Speed at the lowest rate of descent - V best endurance

You can imagine situations where you do not have to travel a distance anymore, but you have to stay in the air for as long as possible.

Example:

Engine failure over an aerodrome. The remaining time shall be used to attempt to restart the engine.

In this case, the speed to glide as long as possible / V best endurance is a better choice.

When this speed is not in the AFM it can be estimated at about 15% below the V best glide.