Airspeed Limitations

The DA 62 does not have one manoeuvring speed — it has six, one for each mass band, and they span 21 knots. Everything else on this page is a single figure, which makes vO the limitation most likely to be misremembered in the aeroplane that needs it most.

WARNING — Operating the airplane outside its approved operating limitations is not permissible.

At a glance

• vO (up to 1800 kg / 3968 lb)120 KIAS
• vO (1800–1900 kg / 3968–4189 lb)128 KIAS
• vO (1900–1999 kg / 4189–4407 lb)131 KIAS
• vO (1999–2100 kg / 4407–4630 lb)135 KIAS
• vO (2100–2200 kg / 4630–4850 lb)138 KIAS
• vO (2200–2300 kg / 4850–5071 lb)141 KIAS
• vFE (flaps T/O)136 KIAS
• vFE (flaps LDG)119 KIAS
• vLE205 KIAS
• vLOE (extension)205 KIAS
• vLOR (retraction)162 KIAS
• vMCA (flaps UP)76 KIAS
• vMCA (flaps T/O)70 KIAS
• vNO162 KIAS
• vNE205 KIAS

Operating manoeuvring speed

vO rises with mass in six bands. Each band is quoted as an upper mass with the speed that applies up to it.

vO by mass band

• Up to 1800 kg (3968 lb) — 120 KIAS.

• Above 1800 kg (3968 lb) up to 1900 kg (4189 lb) — 128 KIAS.

• Above 1900 kg (4189 lb) up to 1999 kg (4407 lb) — 131 KIAS.

• Above 1999 kg (4407 lb) up to 2100 kg (4630 lb) — 135 KIAS.

• Above 2100 kg (4630 lb) up to 2200 kg (4850 lb) — 138 KIAS.

• Above 2200 kg (4850 lb) up to 2300 kg (5071 lb) — 141 KIAS.

The remark printed against vO is that full or abrupt control surface movement must not be made above that speed.

Flap and landing gear limits

• vFE, flaps T/O — 136 KIAS.

• vFE, flaps LDG — 119 KIAS.

• vLE, maximum landing gear extended speed — 205 KIAS.

• vLOE, maximum landing gear operating speed for extension — 205 KIAS.

• vLOR, maximum landing gear operating speed for retraction — 162 KIAS.

The gear may be extended at the same speed it may be flown at — both 205 KIAS — but retracted only up to 162 KIAS. Retraction is the restrictive direction by 43 knots.

Minimum control and structural speeds

• vMCA, flaps UP — 76 KIAS.

• vMCA, flaps T/O — 70 KIAS.

• vNO, maximum structural cruising speed — 162 KIAS, not to be exceeded except in smooth air and then only with caution.

• vNE, never exceed speed in smooth air — 205 KIAS, not to be exceeded in any operation.

The remark against vMCA is that with one engine inoperative the airspeed must be kept above that limit. Note that the take-off flap setting gives the lower of the two figures.

Check yourself

• What is vO at 2050 kg, and what is it at 1750 kg?

• Which is lower, vMCA with flaps UP or with flaps T/O — and by how much?

• At what speed may the gear be extended, and at what speed may it be retracted?

• What are vNO and vNE, and what does each one permit or forbid?

• What is the remark printed against vO?

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