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V Speeds Breakdown
We’ll break down everything you need to know about V-speeds, plus we’ve put together a convenient list so you’ll never have to search for them again!
What are V-Speeds?
V-speeds are specific airspeeds defined for various operational reasons, such as limitations (e.g., maximum flaps extended speed – VFE) or performance metrics (e.g., best rate of climb speed – VY). Essentially, V-speeds are key reference points that help pilots manage aircraft performance and maintain safety.
Aircraft designers and manufacturers perform flight tests to help determine performance limitations of aircraft. The resulting flight test data is used to help determine specific best practice speeds for safe operation of the aircraft.
Recommended Airspeeds (V-Speeds) are published and these airspeeds are relied on for best performance and safety of the aircraft. Pilots should be knowledgeable about the published V-Speeds for each type and configuration of aircraft they fly.
V-speeds may vary depending on factors like aircraft weight and weather, but their designations (e.g., VR) remain consistent. You might come across other V-speeds online that aren’t listed here, as some are specific to particular manufacturers.
You may also encounter V-speeds that begin with an “M” instead of the usual “V” (e.g., MMO instead of VMO). This indicates that the speed is defined using a Mach number, which is the ratio of the aircraft’s speed to the speed of sound.
V-Speeds Breakdown.
V-Speeds
In alphabetical order
V-Speed | Description |
VA | Design maneuvering speed. |
VB | Design speed for maximum gust intensity. |
VC | Design cruising speed. |
VD | Design diving speed. |
VDF | Demonstrated flight diving speed. |
VEF | Speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail during takeoff. |
VF | Design flap speed. |
VFC | Maximum speed for stability characteristics. |
VFE | Maximum flap extended speed. |
VFTO | Final takeoff speed. |
VH | Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power. |
VLE | Maximum landing gear extended speed. |
VLO | Maximum landing gear operating speed. |
VLOF | Lift-off speed. |
VMC | Minimum control airspeed with the critical engine inoperative. |
VMO | Maximum operating limit speed. |
VMU | Minimum unstick speed. |
VNE | Never-exceed speed. |
VNO | Maximum structural cruising speed. |
VR | Rotation speed. |
VREF | Reference landing speed. |
VS | Stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable. |
VS0 | Stall speed in the landing configuration. |
VS1 | Stall speed in a specific configuration (e.g., ‘clean’ configuration). |
VSR | Reference stall speed. |
VSR0 | Reference stall speed in the landing configuration. |
VSR1 | Reference stall speed in a specific configuration. |
VSW | Speed at which onset of natural or artificial stall warning occurs. |
VTOSS | Takeoff safety speed for Category A aircraft. |
VX | Speed for best angle of climb. |
VY | Speed for best rate of climb. |
V1 | Takeoff decision speed. |
V2 | Takeoff safety speed. |
V2min | Minimum takeoff safety speed. |
Essential to Know
You should be be familiar with…..
V-Speed | Description |
VLE | Maximum landing gear extended speed. |
VLO | Maximum landing gear operating speed. |
VLOF | Lift-off speed. |
VNE | Never-exceed speed. |
VNO | Maximum structural cruising speed. |
VR | Rotation speed. |
VS | Stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable. |
VS0 | Stall speed in the landing configuration. |
VX | Speed for best angle of climb. |
VY | Speed for best rate of climb. |
V1 | Takeoff decision speed. |
Pilots should consult the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft they fly.
Important V-Speeds will be published in the POH (Information Manual) for their specific Aircraft type and model.
Important V-Speeds Explained.
Let’s review some V-speeds you’re most likely to come across.
As we cover a few of these, refer to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) specific to the aircraft you operate and jot down the corresponding speed for each V-speed. If a particular speed isn’t listed or varies, speak to you flight instructor.
Taking the time to commit these speeds to memory will make things much simpler for you.
VX: Best Angle of Climb Speed
VX is the airspeed that provides the best angle of climb, meaning it allows the aircraft to gain the most altitude over the shortest horizontal distance.
This speed is essential for short-field takeoffs, especially when there are obstacles to clear immediately after liftoff. You should practice climbing at VX regularly, as it is a critical skill.
VY: Best Rate of Climb Speed
VY is the airspeed for best rate of climb. In other words, if you maintain , you will gain the most altitude in the shortest amount of time.
Compared to VX, you’ll use more horizontal distance, VY is also the speed where you have the biggest difference between power required and power available.
VNE: Never Exceed Speed
VNE, or “never exceed” speed, is exactly that. The speed above which you should never venture under any circumstances.
VNE represents the maximum speed at which the aircraft should be flown in calm air. Going beyond this speed can lead to dangerous and uncontrollable flutter, potentially resulting in severe or even catastrophic structural damage to the aircraft.
While aircraft designers include a small safety margin, it’s crucial not to depend on, or test that limit. VNE stands for Velocity Never Exceed.
VA: Maneuvering Speed
VA represents the aircraft’s design maneuvering speed. Exceeding this speed while fully deflecting a flight control could compromise the aircraft’s structure.
At or below VA, if a full deflection occurs, the aircraft will stall before any structural damage happens. However, it’s important to avoid fully deflecting any flight control above this speed.
VA is not a constant value; it changes with the aircraft’s weight. As the aircraft’s weight decreases, so does VA , it increases with more weight.
VNO: Max Structural Cruise Speed
VNO, the maximum structural cruising speed, is the highest speed that you can safely fly in smooth air.
If you’re above VNO (in the yellow arc or “caution range”) and you encounter air that is not smooth, you could cause damage to the aircraft.
For example, if you encounter turbulence, the “bumps” you experience will increase the load factor. If you fly above VNO in these conditions, the increase in load factor could damage the aircraft’s structure.
VLE: Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed
VLE, or maximum landing gear extended speed, is the top speed at which you can safely fly with the landing gear extended.
A related speed is VLO, or maximum landing gear operating speed, the speed above which you cannot extend or retract the landing gear.
VLO is typically lower than VLE due to the aerodynamic forces exerted on the landing gear during extension or retraction
VS: Stall Speed
VS refers to the stall speed, which is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can sustain level flight.
However, it’s important to remember that an aircraft can stall at any speed. A stall occurs when the critical angle of attack is exceeded, regardless of the airspeed. For example, even if a pilot is descending at a high speed, suddenly pitching up could cause the aircraft to exceed the critical angle of attack, leading to a stall, even though the airspeed is far above VS .
So, why is VS defined? In typical straight-and-level flight, the aircraft is most likely to stall in two scenarios:
- The pilot makes a rapid control input that increases the angle of attack significantly.
- The pilot attempts to maintain altitude as airspeed decreases, causing the angle of attack to gradually increase until the aircraft stalls at VS.
While a stall can occur at any speed, it is most likely to happen at VS in normal flight conditions.
There are two types of stall speed:
– **VSO**: Stall speed in the landing configuration (flaps and landing gear extended)
– **VS1**: Stall speed in a specified configuration (e.g., clean configuration with flaps and gear retracted)
The difference between stall speed with flaps deployed versus retracted is substantial, which is why they are categorized separately.
Finally, the stall speed for each aircraft is determined by the manufacturer.
Testing for stall speed is done with the throttle closed and the aircraft at its maximum takeoff weight.
This means that if you are flying at a lower weight or with the throttle open, your stall speed may be lower than the figure listed in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
In Summary
V-speeds are essential safety and performance benchmarks derived from careful calculations and extensive real-world testing, and should never be overlooked.
In fact, you may have already encountered these speeds during flights without even realizing it.
Build on this knowledge and understand the relevant V-Speeds for you aircraft type.
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