In terms of glide performance, what factor does not affect the glide ratio?

The glide ratio of an aircraft is a measure of how far it can travel forward compared to how much altitude it loses while gliding. Glide performance is influenced significantly by factors such as the weight of the aircraft, environmental conditions, and altitude.

The weight of the aircraft affects the glide ratio because a heavier aircraft requires more lift to maintain altitude, which can reduce the distance it can travel when gliding. Environmental conditions, including wind direction and speed, can also alter the glide path significantly; for example, a tailwind can increase the forward distance while a headwind may decrease it.

Altitude plays a role as well, as greater altitude provides the aircraft additional potential energy, allowing it more time and distance to glide before needing to land.

Engine thrust, however, does not affect glide performance once the engines are shut down. Glide performance refers specifically to unpowered flight where the dynamics of lift, drag, and weight are in play without the influence of thrust. When an aircraft is gliding, it is not using any engine thrust, and therefore this factor does not influence the glide ratio.