Definition
The airspeed at which an unpowered aircraft achieves its maximum lift-to-drag ratio, allowing it to cover the greatest horizontal distance for a given loss of altitude. This speed is published by the manufacturer for each aircraft and represents the most efficient gliding speed when distance is the priority.
Plain English
The specific speed to fly during a power-off glide if you want to travel as far as possible before reaching the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine-out procedures, emergency planning, glider flying, and aircraft performance discussions.
Derivation
Range' here comes from the same root as in 'driving range' or 'fuel range' — how far something can travel. So 'glide speed for range' literally means 'the glide speed that gives you the most distance.'
Why Pilots Care
Choosing this speed in an engine failure gives the greatest chance of reaching a suitable landing area.
Analogy
It is like coasting a bicycle downhill at the speed that carries you farthest, not the speed that makes you slow down the least or arrive the fastest.
Grounding Statement
If the engine quits and the landing field is far away, glide speed for range is the speed that stretches your glide distance as much as possible.
Intuition Check
Do not assume glide speed for range means the slowest sink rate. It means the farthest forward distance for the altitude you have.
Example Sentence 1
When the engine quit, he immediately pitched for the glide speed for range and turned toward the nearest airport.
Example Sentence 2
The handbook lists 72 knots as the glide speed for range with the propeller feathered.