Glide Distance Calculator
In any engine failure scenario, knowing your glide distance from current altitude is critical for identifying reachable landing sites. The glide distance depends on your altitude above the ground, your aircraft's best glide ratio (from the POH), and the wind. At best glide speed (Vg), the aircraft achieves its maximum glide ratio, which gives the greatest horizontal distance per foot of altitude lost. This calculator converts altitude in feet to glide distance in nautical miles and statute miles, using the published glide ratio. Wind adjustment fields allow you to estimate headwind and tailwind effects on over-the-ground distance.
Glide distance formula
Glide Distance (ft) = Altitude (ft AGL) x Glide Ratio
Glide Distance (nm) = Glide Distance (ft) / 6,076.1
Wind-adjusted Distance (nm) = Glide (nm) x (Vg - Wind) / Vg
The wind adjustment approximates the effect of a direct headwind or tailwind on over-the-ground glide distance. A headwind reduces ground speed relative to TAS, shortening glide distance over the ground. The formula uses the ratio of (Vg minus headwind) to Vg as the correction factor. This is a first-order approximation; the optimal adjusted glide speed differs slightly from Vg when wind is present.
Engine-out emergency considerations
- Immediately establish best glide speed (Vg) after engine failure. Every second at other speeds reduces your range.
- Identify the landing area and plan a spiral or pattern down to it within glide range.
- Maintain altitude as long as possible by avoiding unnecessary turns.
- Glide ratio degrades with flaps, gear down, or a windmilling propeller vs. a feathered prop (for multi-engine).
Glide distance calculator: frequently asked questions
What is a glide ratio?
The glide ratio (or lift-to-drag ratio, L/D) is the ratio of horizontal distance traveled to altitude lost in unpowered flight. A glide ratio of 10:1 means the aircraft travels 10 feet forward for every 1 foot of altitude lost. It is a fundamental aircraft performance parameter from the POH.
How is glide distance calculated?
Glide Distance (nm) = Altitude (ft) x Glide Ratio / 6,076. The 6,076 converts feet to nautical miles. For example, an aircraft at 8,000 ft AGL with a 9:1 glide ratio can glide 8,000 x 9 / 6,076 = 11.85 nm. This assumes no wind and optimum glide speed.
What airspeed gives the best glide?
Best glide speed (Vg) is published in the POH and produces the maximum glide ratio. Flying faster or slower reduces the glide ratio. In an engine failure, establishing Vg immediately maximizes the glide distance. Vg is typically listed in KIAS and may vary with weight.
Does wind affect glide distance?
Yes. A headwind reduces over-the-ground glide distance; a tailwind increases it. To optimize glide distance toward a landing zone into a headwind, slow slightly below Vg. With a tailwind, speed up slightly above Vg. These adjustments are covered in the FAA Pilot's Handbook.
What typical glide ratios do light aircraft have?
Most light single-engine aircraft have glide ratios of 8:1 to 12:1. High-performance aircraft and gliders have ratios of 20:1 to 60:1. The specific value for your aircraft is in the POH under emergency procedures or performance data.
Official sources
- FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B), Chapter 4 Aerodynamics: faa.gov.
- FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Chapter 17 Emergency Procedures: faa.gov.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.