Can a plane glide without engines?
One of the most reassuring ideas once you understand it: engines give speed, but it’s the wing that holds the plane up.
Gliding is what a wing naturally does
Without thrust, the plane trades height for a very gentle descent and keeps flying forward. For every kilometre it descends, it travels roughly 15 forward — from cruising altitude, that’s over 100 km of range to reach somewhere to land.
Pilots train for it
They practise engine-out approaches in the simulator. It’s not a trick — it’s a designed-in capability they can rely on.
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A personalised Co-pilot Briefing walks you through your specific flight in a calm captain’s voice.
Prepare my flightDoes a plane fall if both engines stop?
No. It glides, and from cruise it can travel over 100 km to reach a runway.
How far can a plane glide?
Roughly 15 km forward for every 1 km of height — from cruising altitude, more than 100 km.
Can pilots land without engines?
Yes, they practise engine-out approaches in the simulator.
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