If both plane engines fail, the aircraft will not simply fall out of the sky. Instead, it will glide. According to provided information, a passenger aircraft will glide perfectly well even if all its engines have failed.
Gliding Explained
- What is gliding? Gliding is when an aircraft descends gradually through the air without engine power, using its wings to generate lift.
- How far can a plane glide? A typical passenger aircraft can glide for a considerable distance. For example, if it loses its engines at a typical cruise altitude of 36,000ft, it can fly for around 60 miles.
Factors Affecting Glide Distance
The distance a plane can glide depends on several factors:
- Altitude: Higher altitude provides more potential energy to convert into horizontal distance.
- Aircraft Design: Aerodynamic design influences how efficiently the plane glides.
- Wind Conditions: Headwinds will reduce the glide distance, while tailwinds will increase it.
- Pilot Skill: The pilot's ability to optimize the glide angle and speed will also play a role.
Emergency Procedures
When engine failure occurs, pilots are trained to follow specific emergency procedures:
- Maintain Control: The primary focus is always to maintain control of the aircraft.
- Establish Best Glide Speed: The pilot will adjust the plane's speed to achieve the optimal glide ratio.
- Communicate: The pilot will communicate with air traffic control to declare an emergency and request assistance.
- Troubleshoot: Attempts will be made to restart the engines, if possible.
- Prepare for Landing: The pilot will identify a suitable landing site and prepare the passengers for an emergency landing.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine Failure | Both engines fail simultaneously |
| Aircraft Response | Transitions to gliding |
| Potential Glide Range | Approximately 60 miles from 36,000ft (varies depending on conditions) |
| Pilot Actions | Maintain control, establish glide speed, communicate, troubleshoot, prepare for landing |
