When flying in an ELP, what is the approximate horizontal distance achieved by trading 10 knots of extra airspeed with a feathered prop?

When flying in an Emergency Landing Pattern (ELP), the ability to trade airspeed for horizontal distance is crucial for optimizing a landing approach, especially in scenarios where engine performance is compromised. In a proper ELP, the relationship between airspeed and distance is governed by the aircraft's glide ratio.

In this situation, 10 knots of extra airspeed can be employed effectively to increase your glide distance. The general rule of thumb for the T-6A is that for every 10 knots of additional airspeed, a pilot can expect to cover approximately 1,000 feet horizontally for every 1,000 feet of altitude lost. Thus, trading 10 knots of extra airspeed translates into a gain of about 1,000 feet in horizontal distance.

This understanding is essential for pilots when managing their glide profile, as it allows them to better position themselves for a safe approach and landing in an engine-out scenario. It reflects an important skill in resource management and decision-making during critical phases of flight.