Originally Posted by
UAV689
is it true that a 747 travels 10 miles forward for a height loss of 1000ft as the article states? I am a glider pilot and that seems a pretty good glide ratio to me!! great story though, and amazing skill shown by all the crew including all the stews keeping everyone calm.
The very best modern sailplanes can achieve a 60 to 1 glide ratio. Therefore a glide ratio of 10 miles (60,000 ft) to 1000 ft would imply that a 747 can achieve the same ratio as the best sailplanes. Obviously impossible.
A Cessna 172 can achieve about 9 to 1 at best glide speed.
I believe a 747 can actually achieve about 17 to 1.