Originally Posted by
HarryHolden68
I know that initial climb out is many times steeper than the ideal 3 degree approach angle. On that basis, the aircraft would have been far higher than it would have been had it been on approach landing in the opposite direction into the same runway.
Right, but without engines an ideal 3 degree glide isn't really possible, you will need to descend more steeply to keep the airspeed up. Also bear in mind full fuel etc, the aircraft was heavy and a turnback would have been even more difficult.