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

The maximum glide distance to the high key position is determined by factors such as the altitude of the aircraft, the specific glide ratio of the aircraft, and the general rule used in aviation to calculate glide distances. At 8,000 feet MSL, gliders or aircraft typically achieve a glide ratio that allows them to glide a distance that is a multiple of their altitude — often around 10:1 for performance aircraft.

This means that for every 1,000 feet of altitude, an aircraft can glide approximately 10 nautical miles horizontally under optimal conditions, which in this case would translate to around 8 nautical miles at 8,000 feet. However, the higher elevations in the engine-out scenario could allow for extended glide distances depending on specific aerodynamic designs and wind conditions.

In this scenario, other options present distances that exceed what would be realistically achievable based on the typical glide ratio from that altitude to the high key position at a sea level airfield. Therefore, the choice of 10 nautical miles as the maximum glide distance reflects a practical and sensible estimation of the aerodynamic capabilities while aligning with standard floating estimates for the situation presented.