Estimate adjusted best glide speed using published best glide speed, reference weight, and actual aircraft weight. This free aviation calculator helps pilots better understand glide performance and emergency planning.
Enter the published best glide speed, reference weight, and actual aircraft weight to estimate an adjusted best glide speed.
This calculator uses a common approximation for training and planning. Always use approved aircraft data when available.
Best glide speed is the speed that gives the greatest glide distance in still air for a given amount of altitude. It is one of the most important emergency planning speeds pilots learn.
Because aircraft weight affects the speed for best aerodynamic efficiency, a heavier aircraft will generally need a slightly higher best glide speed than a lighter one.
In still air, the glide ratio may remain similar, but the aircraft usually glides at a faster speed. The main change is the speed for best glide, not necessarily a better glide ratio.
No. This calculator is a planning and training aid. Always use the approved speeds and procedures in your POH, AFM, checklist, and training guidance.
Published best glide speed is usually tied to a known aircraft weight. Reference weight lets you scale that published speed to your actual weight.
The aerodynamic best glide speed in still air is different from the best speed for maximum ground distance in headwind or tailwind conditions. This calculator estimates still-air best glide speed.