Verify before flight. Check the POH/AFM for aircraft-specific limits and performance.
Performance
Aircraft Glide Distance Calculator
Calculate aircraft glide distance from height available and glide ratio in nautical miles, feet, and statute miles.
ft
:1
Glide range—
Horizontal feet—
Statute miles—
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5,000 feet at a 9:1 glide ratio
5,000 ft of height available with a 9:1 glide ratio gives 45,000 horizontal feet. Dividing by 6,076.1 gives about 7.4 NM in still air.
Height available is above the intended landing elevation, not simply indicated altitude. Wind, turns and the need to arrive with maneuvering room change practical reach.
Formula and method
Still-air glide distance = altitude available × glide ratio, then the horizontal distance is converted to nautical miles.
Still-air estimate only. Confirm best-glide speed and performance for the exact aircraft in its current POH or AFM. Wind, turns, obstacles, and the landing area available can all reduce practical reach.