Glide Distance Calculator

This calculator helps you determine the glide distance for an aircraft based on altitude and speed. It's useful for aviation professionals and enthusiasts.

Input Parameters

Default value is 6.5:1 (typical for light aircraft)

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

Glide Distance = Altitude × Glide Ratio

Where:
Glide Distance = Horizontal distance covered
Altitude = Vertical height above ground
Glide Ratio = Horizontal distance per unit of vertical drop

Glide Distance Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Glide Distance Calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the altitude of your aircraft in feet.
  2. Enter the indicated airspeed in knots (KTS).
  3. The glide ratio is pre-filled with a typical value of 6.5:1 for light aircraft. You can adjust this if needed.
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the estimated glide distance in both miles and kilometers.
  5. Use the "Reset" button to clear all inputs and start over.

Understanding Glide Distance

Glide distance is the horizontal distance an aircraft can travel while descending. It's an important parameter for emergency landing planning. The glide ratio (also called glide angle or L/D ratio) represents how efficiently an aircraft can glide - the higher the ratio, the farther it can glide for a given altitude loss.

Important Notes

  • This calculator provides a theoretical estimate based on the entered values. Actual glide distance may vary due to factors like wind, aircraft configuration, and weight.
  • In emergency situations, always refer to your aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for specific glide performance data.
  • The default glide ratio of 6.5:1 is typical for light general aviation aircraft. Military aircraft or gliders may have significantly different glide ratios.