Know your V-Speeds
An explanation of what V-Speeds are
Updated: 19 June 2005

VA

VA is known as the 'Manoeuvring Speed'. Every airplane is designed to withstand a certain structural load.  The load is normally measured in gravitational pull. 1 "G" - (gravity) is normal weight acting on a plane. The more we pull up on the elevator, the more G's press on the wings elevator, engine, radios and other components of the airplane.  A high rate of speed can make a normal, gentle control movement excessive, more about this, later.  Below manoeuvring speed the airplanes controls will not allow you to cause damages to the aircraft from overloading.  The control surfaces actually stall first. This is also known as thunderstorm penetration speed.

VFE

VFE is known as Maximum Flap Extended Speed. This is the speed in which we can fly with flaps extended (VFE is located on Airspeed Indicator - Top of White ARC)

VLE

Known as the 'Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed'. The Maximum calibrated airspeed at which the airplane can be safely flown with the landing gear extended.  This is a problem involving stability and controllability.

VLO

VLO, 'Maximum Landing Gear Operating Speed'. The maximum calibrated airspeed at which the airplane can be safely flown with the landing gear operating.  This is a problem involving stability and controllability.

VMC

VMC, otherwise known as 'Minimum Control Airspeed'. This is the slowest airspeed that we can fly.  (see also Vso)

VNE

This is the 'Never Exceed Speed'. It means just that - Never exceed! This is the top of the yellow ARC.  Defined by a RED LINE, this speed is the maximum allowed to insure structural integrity in SMOOTH AIR ONLY.

VNO

'Normal Operating Speed'. In the airplane "Normal Operation" range.  (Tops of Green ARC on Airspeed Indicator) "SMOOTH AIR ONLY IN THE YELLOW ARC"

VR

VR is known as 'Rotation Speed'. In other words 'Take off speed'

VS

Stall Speed with a "clean" aircraft configuration. i.e. No flaps

VSO

Stall Speed with Landing Configuration, that is flaps out and landing gear down. The VSO is indicated at the bottom of White ARC.

VX

VX is known as the 'Best Angle of Climb'. This is the speed that gives you the most altitude in the shortest distance.

VY

VY is known as 'Best Rate of Climb'. Gives you the most altitude in the shortest time.

VG

Known as the 'Best Glide Speed'. When you lose engine, this is the best glide distance that you can go if you use this speed.

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