During engine failure, why is maintaining best glide speed critical?

• A. During engine failure, maintaining best glide speed maximizes forward distance and time to select landing area
• B. Best glide speed reduces drag only
• C. Best glide speed is irrelevant
• D. Best glide speed increases stall risk

Answer: (A)

Best glide speed is the airspeed at which the aircraft has its maximum lift-to-drag ratio, giving the greatest glide distance for a given loss of altitude. In an engine failure, you have a limited amount of altitude, so flying at this speed lets you cover the most ground and gives you more time and options to locate and reach a suitable landing area. If you fly slower, drag increases and you lose altitude faster, reducing how far you can glide. If you fly faster, drag also increases and the glide distance is reduced, again decreasing your reach. Staying at best glide speed therefore optimizes both forward distance and the opportunity to choose a safe landing site while maintaining safe handling margins.