Testing your glide. Are people doing this?

good number to keep in your head for lower altitudes.

Not sure why you refer to "lower altitudes". The glide angle is
constant with altitude.

One of the big problems confronting a pilot in an actual engine out, is getting
over the shock of the reality of the occurance. Some pilots (people in
general) will "choke" or mentally freeze up and not think constructively about
dealing with the situation. ( 'I can't believe my engine quit!' syndrome)
Constantly training/practicing/"rehearsing" will help a pilot get past this
hurdle. By knowing what the next "planned" move will be. That's part of the
value of regular practice.
VL
(Oh gawd, he's on his soapbox again)

"Greg Esres" wrote in message
...
good number to keep in your head for lower altitudes.

Not sure why you refer to "lower altitudes". The glide angle is
constant with altitude.

Because there's "overhead". Gliding from a higher altitude, one normally
will be able to spend a larger proportion of the glide at the optimal best
glide speed. The glide angle is only theoretically constant with altitude.
In reality, no one goes directly to best glide the instant the engine fails
and the glide angle after engine failure varies as the pilot reacts.

Pete

Because there's "overhead".

Ah, gotcha.