Originally Posted by
OldLurker
Yet I notice that heavy aircraft routinely drag in, often for many miles, and we're told that anything nearer to a glide approach is inconceivable.
Two reasons for lots of drag on approach are speed stability and engine spool up time on modern turbofans being more than 10 seconds from idle.
When an engine fails, you always have the option of retracting the flaps slightly, as was done with the BA777 at LHR with dual engine failure.