LDmax comes at best glide speed with power ûat idle. Note the angle of attack.

Operating behind the power curve is a phrase that is often used in hangar flying sessions. Over the years, however, behind the power curve has taken on many more meanings than its true definition.

The true meaning of “behind the power curve” is rooted in aerodynamic theory. The curved line in the figure below represents the typical change of drag with airspeed. If you break the curve into two parts, you will notice that this fictitious airplane has its lowest point on the curve at an airspeed of 70 knots. …