Airspeeds for Normal Operations

Almost every airspeed in normal operations comes in two versions — one for masses up to 1900 kg and one above it. Learn which speeds change with mass and which do not, because the ones that stay put are the ones students most often assume have moved.

At a glance

• V_R (flaps UP)min 80 KIAS
• V_R (flaps APP)min 76 KIAS
• V_Y (flaps UP, up to 1900 kg)min 90 KIAS
• V_Y (flaps UP, above 1900 kg)min 92 KIAS
• V_Y (flaps APP)85 KIAS
• V_X (flaps APP)min 82 KIAS
• Approach, flaps UP (up to 1900 kg)86 KIAS
• Approach, flaps UP (above 1900 kg)92 KIAS
• Approach, flaps APP (up to 1900 kg)min 84 KIAS
• Approach, flaps APP (above 1900 kg)min 88 KIAS
• Final approach, flaps LDG (up to 1900 kg)min 84 KIAS
• Final approach, flaps LDG (above 1900 kg)min 86 KIAS
• Go-around, flaps UP (up to 1900 kg)min 90 KIAS
• Go-around, flaps UP (above 1900 kg)min 92 KIAS
• V_NO (flaps UP)151 KIAS

Rotation

The rotation speed is a minimum of 80 KIAS with flaps UP and a minimum of 76 KIAS with flaps APP. Both figures are unchanged at masses above 1900 kg (4189 lb) — rotation is one of the speeds that does not move with mass.

Climb

Best rate of climb with flaps UP is a minimum of 90 KIAS up to 1900 kg (4189 lb) and a minimum of 92 KIAS above it. With flaps APP, best rate of climb is 85 KIAS at both masses. Best angle of climb with flaps APP is a minimum of 82 KIAS, again at both masses.

The cruise climb speed with flaps UP takes the same figures as best rate of climb: a minimum of 90 KIAS up to 1900 kg and 92 KIAS above.

Approach and landing

The reference landing approach speed with flaps UP is 86 KIAS up to 1900 kg and 92 KIAS above. With flaps APP it is a minimum of 84 KIAS up to 1900 kg and 88 KIAS above. The final approach speed with flaps LDG is a minimum of 84 KIAS up to 1900 kg and a minimum of 86 KIAS above.

Go-around and cruise

The minimum speed during a go-around with flaps UP is 90 KIAS up to 1900 kg and 92 KIAS above. The maximum structural cruising speed with flaps UP is 151 KIAS at both masses; it may not be exceeded except in smooth air, and then only with caution.

One practical point about the displays

NOTE — Readability of the G1000 PFD and MFD may be degraded when wearing polarized sunglasses.

Check yourself

• Which speeds in this lesson do not change with mass?

• What are the two rotation speeds, and what distinguishes them?

• What is best rate of climb with flaps APP, and does it change above 1900 kg?

• What is the final approach speed with flaps LDG at each mass?

• What effect can polarized sunglasses have in this cockpit?

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