What glide ratio do typical aircraft achieve?

A Cessna 172 has a glide ratio of about 9:1. Commercial airliners achieve 17–20:1. High-performance sailplanes reach 50–70:1. The best glide speed is typically 1.3–1.5× stall speed.

How far can an airliner glide engine-out?

At cruise altitude (35,000 ft = ~10,700 m) with L/D ≈ 18, an airliner can glide approximately 18 × 10,700 ≈ 193 km. The famous Gimli Glider (Air Canada 767) glided 17 minutes and 120 km after fuel exhaustion.

Glide Ratio and Best Glide Speed Calculator

Calculate glide ratio (equivalent to L/D) and best glide speed (Vbg) for unpowered flight. Critical for engine-out emergencies and glider performance analysis.

2D stress state at a point. All stresses in MPa.

σx — Normal Stress X (MPa)

σy — Normal Stress Y (MPa)

τxy — Shear Stress (MPa)

⚙ Mechanical Note: Results are based on standard textbook formulas and ISO/AASHTO references. Always verify critical designs with applicable codes (ISO 898, AASHTO 1993, AISC, Eurocode 3) and a qualified engineer.

How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Calculate glide ratio (equivalent to L/D) and best glide speed (Vbg) for unpowered flight. Critical for engine-out emergencies and glider performance analysis. Use the glide ratio result to inform your calculation.

Glide Ratio and Best Glide Speed Calculator

How to Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What glide ratio do typical aircraft achieve?

How far can an airliner glide engine-out?