What is the maximum glide distance to a field at sea level when starting from 8,000 feet MSL?

The maximum glide distance from a height of 8,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) is roughly estimated based on the glide ratio, which is the ratio of distance traveled horizontally to altitude lost. In general aviation, many gliders and sailplanes have a glide ratio of about 15:1, meaning they can glide 15 feet forward for every foot of altitude lost.

Starting from 8,000 feet, using a typical glide ratio of 15:1, the maximum glide distance would be calculated as follows:

1. From 8,000 feet, if you descend 8,000 feet, under ideal conditions, you could travel 8,000 feet horizontally, which converts to approximately 1.5 nautical miles (since there are 6,076 feet in a nautical mile).

2. However, based on the glide ratio commonly applied in practical scenarios, a 15:1 ratio would yield a higher distance. Therefore, the calculation would look like this: 8,000 feet divided by 500 feet per nautical mile results in a potential glide distance of up to around 16 nautical miles.

This estimate assumes optimal conditions, including favorable weather and flight dynamics. Thus, selecting 16 nautical miles aligns with the principles