Dictionary
Aviation Dictionary
Best glide speed (best L/D speed)
Definitions
- The airspeed that results in the least amount of altitude loss over a given distance. This speed is determined from the performance polar. The manufacturer publishes the best glide (L/D) airspeed for specified weights and the resulting glide ratio. For example, a glide ratio of 36:1 means that the glider will lose 1 foot of altitude for every 36 feet of forward movement in still air at this airspeed.
References
-
Glider Flying Handbook by Federal Aviation Administration (2024)
