In cruise maintain straight and level, if you want to achieve max range, what speed should you target?

• A. 0.9 x VMD
• B. 1.32 x VMD
• C. VMD
• D. 1.0 x VMD

Answer: (B)

Maximizing range in cruise comes from flying at the speed that yields the best lift-to-drag ratio, so you get the most distance per unit of fuel. VMD is the speed at which drag is minimized for the current weight and configuration. The best overall efficiency occurs a bit faster than that point, around 1.32 times VMD, where the lift-to-drag ratio is near its maximum. Flying slower than that, such as 0.9 x VMD, increases drag relative to lift and reduces range. Flying at VMD or 1.0 x VMD doesn’t reach the peak L/D, so you don’t get the maximum possible distance for the fuel you burn.