Which airspeed is the reference for a precautionary landing with engine power?

Which airspeed is the reference for a precautionary landing with engine power?

• A. 65 KIAS
• B. 70 KIAS
• C. 68 KIAS
• D. 75-85 KIAS

Answer: (A)

When planning a precautionary landing with engine power, you treat it as if the engine could fail, so you use the best-glide speed as your reference. For a C172 at typical weight, that speed is about 65 KIAS. This speed gives the best balance of forward distance versus altitude lost, helping you reach a suitable field with enough energy to complete a stable approach and landing. It also keeps you above stall margins while preserving enough handling and energy for the roundout and touchdown. Going faster would waste energy and shorten the glide distance, while going slower could bring you close to stall and reduce controllability. So 65 KIAS is the reference speed for a precautionary landing with engine power.

When planning a precautionary landing with engine power, you treat it as if the engine could fail, so you use the best-glide speed as your reference. For a C172 at typical weight, that speed is about 65 KIAS. This speed gives the best balance of forward distance versus altitude lost, helping you reach a suitable field with enough energy to complete a stable approach and landing. It also keeps you above stall margins while preserving enough handling and energy for the roundout and touchdown. Going faster would waste energy and shorten the glide distance, while going slower could bring you close to stall and reduce controllability. So 65 KIAS is the reference speed for a precautionary landing with engine power.