Glide Ratio & Distance Calculator
Calculate maximum glide distance and best glide speed for emergency planning.
Typical Glide Ratios
| Aircraft Type | L/D Ratio | Best Glide |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172 | 9:1 | 65 kts |
| Piper Cherokee | 10:1 | 76 kts |
| Cirrus SR22 | 11:1 | 88 kts |
| Light Twin | 12:1 | 100 kts |
| Modern Glider | 40-60:1 | 50-60 kts |
Understanding Glide Performance
Glide Ratio (L/D)
The glide ratio represents the horizontal distance traveled for each unit of altitude lost. A 9:1 ratio means the aircraft travels 9 feet forward for every 1 foot of descent.
Calculating Glide Distance
Distance (nm) = (Altitude / 6076) x Glide Ratio
From 5,000 ft AGL with 9:1 ratio: (5000/6076) x 9 = 7.4 nm
Wind Effects
Headwind reduces glide distance; tailwind extends it. In strong headwinds, increase speed slightly above best glide. In tailwinds, reduce speed slightly.
Weight Adjustment
Best glide speed increases with weight: V2 = V1 x sqrt(W2/W1). However, the glide ratio remains constant regardless of weight - heavier aircraft just glide faster.