Normal Operating Speeds

Thirteen speeds that between them cover a whole flight, from lifting the nose wheel to the balked landing that follows an approach you decided not to finish. They are quoted at maximum weight, which makes them conservative at any lighter weight you actually fly.

At a glance

• Speeds based on2550 lb maximum weight
• Normal climb out75 to 85 KIAS
• Short field takeoff, speed at 50 ft (flaps 10°)56 KIAS
• Enroute climb, flaps up, sea level75 to 85 KIAS
• Enroute climb, flaps up, 10,000 ft70 to 80 KIAS
• Best rate of climb, sea level74 KIAS
• Best rate of climb, 10,000 ft72 KIAS
• Best angle of climb, sea level62 KIAS
• Best angle of climb, 10,000 ft67 KIAS
• Normal approach, flaps UP65 to 75 KIAS
• Normal approach, flaps 30°60 to 70 KIAS
• Short field approach, flaps 30°61 KIAS
• Balked landing, maximum power, flaps 20°60 KIAS
• Maximum demonstrated crosswind15 knots

The weight the table assumes

Unless otherwise noted these speeds assume the 2550 pound maximum weight, and they stay usable at any weight below it. That is a deliberate simplification: flying the maximum-weight numbers at a light training weight gives you margin, not error.

The two climb speeds and how they move

Best rate of climb falls with altitude — 74 KIAS at sea level, 72 at 10,000 feet. Best angle of climb rises — 62 KIAS at sea level, 67 at 10,000 feet.

They move towards each other, and that convergence is the physical story of climbing: the speed for most height per minute and the speed for most height per mile meet as the aeroplane runs out of excess power. At the absolute ceiling there would be only one climb speed left.

Turbulent air penetration

The maximum recommended turbulent air penetration speed is 105 KIAS at 2550 pounds, 98 KIAS at 2200 pounds and 90 KIAS at 1900 pounds — the same three figures the limitations chapter gives as manoeuvring speed.

Crosswind

The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for takeoff or landing is 15 knots.

Check yourself

• At what weight are the Section 4 speeds quoted, and may they be used at lower weights?

• State best rate and best angle of climb at sea level and at 10,000 feet.

• Which of the two climb speeds increases with altitude, and why do they converge?

• Give the normal approach speed with flaps up and with 30° of flap.

• What is the maximum recommended turbulent air penetration speed at 2200 pounds?

Study aid — always fly your aircraft's current AFM/POH.