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Old January 1st 09, 09:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Eric Greenwell
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Posts: 1,096
Default Minumum Sink Rate/Best L/D at 17,000 feet ?

wrote:
On the Canadair Regional Jet that I fly, the L/D best glide speed is
different at all altitudes. We have a chart that shows us what
"indicated" airspeed to pitch for if both engines shut down for each
altitude. As altitude increases, the best L/D speed also increases.
For instance, at 10,000 feet the best glide speed is around 170 knots
indicated. Then at 35,000 feet the best glide speed is around 235
knots indicated. This speed is if both engines shut down, and then
cannot be restarted.


Has anyone explained why the best glide speed increases? Is the drag of
the shut down engines less at higher altitudes, for example?

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Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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