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Question of the week: Maximum range and endurance

Question: Is there a quick way to determine the maximum-range and maximum-endurance airspeeds for my airplane?

Answer: You can find the approximate maximum-range and maximum-endurance airspeeds for a light single-engine fixed-gear airplane (at maximum gross weight) by using the following rules of thumb. Multiply your power-off stall speed by 1.5 to determine maximum-range airspeed. For retractable gear, multiply by 1.8. In order to determine the approximate maximum-endurance airspeed, multiply your power-off stall speed by 1.2 for single-engine fixed gear airplanes and 1.3 for single- or multiengine retractable gear airplanes. (Source: The Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual by William K. Kershner.)

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Topics: Aircraft

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