On a standard glide path for a jet-powered passenger aircraft, the descent typically follows a 3-degree glide slope, which is a standard approach angle used at most airports worldwide.
Calculating the Distance
A 3-degree glide slope means the aircraft descends approximately 300 feet per nautical mile (nm).
Given the altitude of 750 feet, the aircraft's horizontal distance from the airport can be calculated as:
Distance=AltitudeDescent rate per nm=750300=2.5 nm.\text{Distance} = \frac{\text{Altitude}}{\text{Descent rate per nm}} = \frac{750}{300} = 2.5 \, \text{nm}.Distance=Descent rate per nmAltitude=300750=2.5nm.
Conversion to Statute Miles
1 nautical mile is approximately 1.15 statute miles, so:
Distance in statute miles=2.5×1.15≈2.88 miles.\text{Distance in statute miles} = 2.5 \times 1.15 \approx 2.88 \, \text{miles}.Distance in statute miles=2.5×1.15≈2.88miles.
Conclusion
At 750 feet altitude, a jet-powered passenger aircraft would typically be about 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 kilometers) or 2.88 statute miles from the airport, assuming a 3-degree glide path.
So, nothing to see here.