JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

Figure 5-3. Vector Plots of Surface Drift Forces
513 Aerospace Drift (Da)
A. Aircraft Glide, the maximum ground distance that an aircraft
could cover during descent, should be determined if the position and
altitude of an aircraft engine failure are known and crew bailout is
doubtful. Aircraft glide ratio and rate of descent should be obtained
from the parent agency or aircraft performance manual. The SMC can then
determine maximum ground distance covered during descent and establish
the possible area of impact after adjusting for wind (see Figure 5-1).
A circle is constructed around the corrected last known position, using
maximum no-wind glide distance as the radius. The enclosed area will be
the maximum possible area for the aircraft datum.
5-4