SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-best-glide-vs-minimum-sink
Which speed maximizes time aloft rather than distance after power loss?
Minimum sink speed maximizes time aloft.
- Minimum sink speed ✔
- Best glide speed
- Never-exceed speed
Why: Best glide maximizes horizontal distance for altitude lost. Minimum sink is a little slower and minimizes descent rate, keeping the airplane aloft longer.
Huh, didn't know that: Minimum sink speed is often not published in an airplane's operating handbook.
Minimum sink wanted more airtime, so it took the slow route down.
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References
Answer: Minimum sink speed. Best glide maximizes horizontal distance for altitude lost. Minimum sink is a little slower and minimizes descent rate, keeping the airplane aloft longer.
- Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 3 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/04_afh_ch3.pdf
Minimum sink speed is used to maximize the time that the airplane remains in flight.
Checked 2026-10-09.
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