Definition
A training maneuver in which the pilot deliberately reduces engine power to idle and establishes the airplane in a stabilized descent at the recommended glide speed, used to develop proficiency in pitch and bank control, airspeed management, and judgment of glide path without the assistance of power.
Plain English
A practice glide is when you pull the power back to idle on purpose and fly the airplane down in a steady descent at the right glide speed, so you can get good at controlling it without the engine helping.
Context Anchor
Used in basic flight training during power-off descents, gliding turns, and preparation for engine-failure practice.
Derivation
Practice' comes from the Greek 'praktikos,' meaning 'doing' or 'putting into action.' 'Glide' comes from Old English 'glidan,' meaning to move smoothly. Together it describes the deliberate, repeated act of flying the airplane in a smooth, power-off descent to build skill.
Why Pilots Care
Develops accurate judgment of glide distance and the ability to maneuver safely to a landing area if the engine fails.
Grounding Statement
In a practice glide, the airplane is still flying under control, but gravity is supplying the descent because the engine is no longer providing normal pull.
Intuition Check
Do not read “practice glide” as casual floating or coasting. In this FAA context, it means a deliberate power-reduced training maneuver flown under control at an appropriate speed.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reduced the throttle to idle and asked the student to set up a practice glide at the airplane's best glide speed.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor had the student adjust airspeed and bank during the practice glide to reach the intended landing spot.