Aircraft Glide Ratio, Glide Range & Emergency Descent Calculator
Calculate maximum engine-out gliding distance (NM & km), descent time, and wind corrections.
Input Parameters
e.g. 9.0:1 for Cessna 172, 10.0:1 for Piper Cherokee, 17.0:1 for Motorglider, 40:1 for Sailplane
e.g. 68 KIAS for C172, 73 KIAS for PA28
Calculation Results
Visual Growth Breakdown
Formula & How Aircraft Glide Ratio, Glide Range & Emergency Descent Calculator Works
An aircraft's maximum gliding distance is achieved at the airspeed that maximizes the lift-to-drag ratio ($L/D_{\max}$). Headwinds steepen the glide angle over the ground and reduce range, while tailwinds extend total ground track reach.
- Enter Height Above Ground Level AGL (feet) (ft AGL): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Lift-to-Drag Glide Ratio (L/D): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Best Glide Airspeed Vg (KIAS) (KIAS): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Headwind (+) or Tailwind (-) Component (knots) (kts): Input your target parameter value.
- Apply Formula: Calculate using
Glide Distance (NM) = (Altitude AGL × L/D) ÷ 6076.12 | Rate of Descent (FPM) = (Vg × 101.27) ÷ L/D | Time = Alt ÷ ROD. - Review Results: View exact computed answers, metrics, and worked mathematical proofs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far can a Cessna 172 glide from 5,000 feet?
With a 9:1 glide ratio at 68 KIAS, a Cessna 172 glides approximately 7.4 Nautical Miles (13.7 km) in zero wind, taking about 6 minutes and 30 seconds to reach ground level at a descent rate of ~760 FPM.
Authoritative Standards & Verified Reference Citations
Calculations and mathematical logic on this page are grounded in published statutory rules, regulatory standards, and official government data published by the following bodies:
CASR Part 91 general operating and flight rules, Part 121 fuel reserves, and flight crew licensing standards.
Aviation weather services, standard atmosphere (ISA) profiles, METAR/TAF aerodrome weather reports.
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA), and airspace procedures.
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