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
  Federal Aviation Administration · 2024