What would be an appropriate glide speed in the event of an engine failure?

The appropriate glide speed in the event of an engine failure for the PA-28A is generally specified in the pilot operating handbook (POH) for the aircraft. This speed is designed to maximize the distance the aircraft can glide and ensure control effectiveness during an emergency situation.

The glide speed needs to be balanced to maintain adequate control while maximizing distance glided. In this case, 73 KIAS is the recommended glide speed that balances these factors effectively, allowing the pilot to maintain control while achieving the best glide ratio.

Choosing a glide speed that is too high may cause the aircraft to descend quicker than necessary, while selecting a speed that is too low could result in a stall during the glide. Therefore, the 73 KIAS figure takes into account these considerations, making it the best option for effective emergency response in the event of an engine failure.