Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1 Practice Test

When you have an engine-out emergency, you fly at the speed that gives the best glide—the greatest distance per altitude lost. With flaps in the takeoff position, the wing’s lift characteristics plus the flap drag shift that optimum glide speed to a lower value. For the DA20-C1, this best-glide speed is about 60 KIAS. Using 60 KIAS helps you maximize glide distance while staying above stall and gives you the best chance to reach a suitable landing area or a place to restart the engine. Speeds like 64 KIAS would be the best-glide speed for a clean (flaps up) configuration, so they’re not optimal with flaps in takeoff. Speeds such as 55 KIAS or 52 KIAS are closer to stall and would reduce glide distance, increasing the risk of stalling before you reach an intended landing area.