Definition
The descending flight path an airplane follows when flying without engine power, or with reduced power, as it loses altitude on its way toward a landing or chosen point on the ground.
Plain English
The downward slope the airplane travels along as it comes down through the air, like an invisible ramp from where the airplane is now to where it will touch down.
Context Anchor
Used when practicing glides, judging whether the airplane can reach a selected landing area, and adjusting the approach during a power-off descent.
Derivation
Glide comes from Old English glidan, meaning to move smoothly. Path is the route or line being followed. Together: the smooth downward line the airplane travels along.
Why Pilots Care
Tells the pilot whether the airplane has enough altitude to reach the runway or landing area after an engine failure.
Intuition Check
Do not think of glide path as where the nose is pointed. It means the airplane’s actual downward track, which can be different from the nose attitude.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine lost power, the pilot trimmed for best glide speed and held a steady glide path toward the field ahead.
Example Sentence 2
With the field in sight, the student adjusted pitch to keep the intended glide path and land safely.