What is the maximum glide distance to low key position from an aircraft at 8,000 feet MSL at a sea level airfield?

To determine the maximum glide distance to low key position from an aircraft at 8,000 feet MSL at a sea level airfield, it's essential to understand the glide ratio, which is typically about 2:1 for most general aviation aircraft. This means that for every 1,000 feet of altitude lost, an aircraft can glide approximately 2 nautical miles horizontally.

Given that the aircraft is at an altitude of 8,000 feet, applying the glide ratio yields:

8,000 feet divided by 1,000 feet equals 8, resulting in a glide distance of 8 multiplied by 2 nautical miles, equating to 16 nautical miles. Thus, the maximum glide distance from an aircraft at 8,000 feet MSL to a low key position at a sea level airfield is accurately calculated as 16 nautical miles. This reasoning supports the choice that indicates 16 nautical miles as the appropriate answer.