Which statement is true regarding Max Endurance?

In the context of flight performance, particularly when discussing maximum endurance, it's key to understand the relationship between the lift-to-drag ratio (L/D Max), angle of attack (AOA), and the associated velocities. Maximum endurance occurs when an aircraft achieves the best possible time in the air for a given amount of fuel consumed, which differs from maximum range.

At maximum endurance, the velocity of the aircraft is actually lower than at L/D Max. This is because maximum endurance corresponds to a point where the induced drag is minimized, and the aircraft operates at a higher angle of attack. When flying for maximum endurance, the increased angle of attack enhances lift at low speeds and allows the aircraft to generate sufficient lift even as drag rises more gradually due to this angle.

The relationship indicates that to achieve maximum endurance, pilots fly at a lower speed and higher angle of attack compared to the parameters at which the L/D Max occurs. Thus, the correct statement accurately reflects that at maximum endurance, the velocity is less than the velocity at L/D Max, and the AOA is greater than that of L/D Max, confirming why this answer appropriately describes the operational characteristics of an aircraft in a maximum endurance scenario.