Glide Ratio (horizontal distance covered for height lost in nil wind) equals the Lift:Drag ratio.
Lift:Drag ratio depends on Angle of Attack (amongst other things), and has an optimum value at the most efficient AoA (usually around 4 deg nominal)
As weight increases the rate of descent will increase, and horizontal speed must also be increased in order to maintain the same Angle of Attack.
In nil wind conditions, with a constant AoA, glide distance doesn't change as weight changes. As the weight increases, you will glide to the same place but you will arrive there sooner.
Last edited by Unhinged; 7th March 2007 at 10:22.
Reason: silly spelling mistake ..