Definition
The combination of airspeed, aircraft attitude, and aerodynamic setup that produces the maximum horizontal distance traveled per unit of altitude lost when the airplane is gliding without engine power. It is achieved by flying at the manufacturer's published best glide speed with landing gear retracted (in retractable-gear airplanes), flaps up, propeller set for minimum drag if controllable, and the airplane trimmed for steady, coordinated flight.
Plain English
The way you set up the airplane to travel as far as possible after losing engine power. It includes flying at the specific speed in the handbook and keeping the airplane clean — no flaps, gear up if it has retractable gear — so it slips through the air with the least drag.
Context Anchor
Used during engine-failure procedures, including night emergencies when the pilot needs the most time and distance to choose a landing area.
Derivation
Glide comes from an old word meaning to move smoothly. Configuration comes from words meaning to shape or arrange together. In aviation, the term points to arranging the airplane’s shape and settings so it can glide efficiently.
Why Pilots Care
Reaching a suitable landing site depends on covering the maximum distance; any deviation shortens that distance and reduces options.
Grounding Statement
With no engine power, the airplane is trading altitude for distance, so the setup matters.
Intuition Check
Best glide configuration is not just pointing the nose at the right speed. It is the whole airplane setup the manual calls for to get maximum glide distance.
Example Sentence 1
When the engine quit, the pilot pitched for best glide configuration and turned toward the nearest field.
Example Sentence 2
Lowering flaps from best glide configuration increases drag and shortens the distance available to reach the runway.