Question

What is the benefit of flying at minimum power speed?

(a) Increases gliding flight time

(b) Decreases gliding flight time

(c) Does not change the gliding flight time

(d) Decreases the aircraft performance

This question was addressed to me in unit test.

My doubt is from Climb and Descent Performance with Thrust-Producing Engines topic in portion Climb and Descent Performance of Aircraft Performance

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Increases gliding flight time

Explanation: The benefit of flying at minimum power speed is increase in gliding flight time. The minimum sink rate is attained by flying at a relative airspeed of u/\(\sqrt[4]{3}\). At this airspeed the minimum power speed of aircraft is attained. Flying at this speed will maximize the time of gliding flight.