How is the zoom/glide accomplished during a confirmed engine failure at a higher altitude?

How is the zoom/glide accomplished during a confirmed engine failure at a higher altitude?

• A. Smoothly increase throttle to maintain speed
• B. Rapidly descend to a lower altitude
• C. Smoothly decelerate to 125 KIAS descent altitude
• D. Maintain current speed to ensure altitude

Answer: (C)

The process of zoom/glide during a confirmed engine failure primarily focuses on maintaining a controlled descent while maximizing the aircraft's glide performance. By smoothly decelerating to 125 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed), you allow the aircraft to operate within its optimal glide speed range. This strategy ensures that you maintain the best glide ratio, which is essential for maximizing distance covered while descending. At higher altitudes, having the aircraft at this ideal speed aids in balancing the aerodynamic forces and maintaining control, allowing for efficient energy management as you prepare for potential landing options. Flying at 125 KIAS helps prevent excess drag and maintains lift, thereby extending the glide distance and providing more time to assess the situation and make necessary decisions. Other approaches like rapidly descending or increasing throttle would not optimize the aircraft's performance during an engine-out scenario. By focusing on a controlled descent while achieving the appropriate airspeed, the pilot can enhance safety and maintain better control of the aircraft during a critical phase of flight.

The process of zoom/glide during a confirmed engine failure primarily focuses on maintaining a controlled descent while maximizing the aircraft's glide performance. By smoothly decelerating to 125 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed), you allow the aircraft to operate within its optimal glide speed range. This strategy ensures that you maintain the best glide ratio, which is essential for maximizing distance covered while descending.

At higher altitudes, having the aircraft at this ideal speed aids in balancing the aerodynamic forces and maintaining control, allowing for efficient energy management as you prepare for potential landing options. Flying at 125 KIAS helps prevent excess drag and maintains lift, thereby extending the glide distance and providing more time to assess the situation and make necessary decisions.

Other approaches like rapidly descending or increasing throttle would not optimize the aircraft's performance during an engine-out scenario. By focusing on a controlled descent while achieving the appropriate airspeed, the pilot can enhance safety and maintain better control of the aircraft during a critical phase of flight.