Glide Ratio and Glide Distance Calculator
Find how far an aircraft can glide. Enter a glide ratio directly, or derive it from a measured glide by giving the horizontal distance and the altitude lost. Add your current height above the ground to see the still-air glide distance in feet and nautical miles.
How to calculate glide distance
- Enter your glide ratio, or a horizontal distance and altitude lost to derive it.
- Enter your current height above the ground in feet.
- Read the glide distance in feet and nautical miles.
Examples
Engine-out glide
Ratio 10, 5000 ft AGL
50000 ft, about 8.23 nm
Derive the ratio
30000 ft over 2000 ft lost
Glide ratio 15 to 1
Frequently asked questions
What is glide ratio?
Glide ratio is the horizontal distance traveled per unit of height lost. A ratio of 10 to 1 means the aircraft moves 10 feet forward for every 1 foot it descends.
How is glide distance calculated?
Glide distance equals the glide ratio times your height above the ground. At a ratio of 10 to 1 from 5000 feet you can glide about 50000 feet, or 8.23 nautical miles.
How do I find my aircraft's glide ratio?
Use the best glide figure from your aircraft flight manual, or measure a glide by dividing the horizontal distance covered by the altitude lost over the same stretch.
Does wind change glide distance?
Yes. This is a still-air estimate. A headwind shortens your glide over the ground and a tailwind lengthens it, so plan conservatively into wind.
How many feet are in a nautical mile?
One nautical mile is 6076.12 feet. This calculator uses that exact value to convert your glide distance from feet to nautical miles.
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