Airspeed Limitations and Indicator Markings

The airspeed limits are the first numbers a student is expected to know cold. Each one is given in knots indicated and calibrated, and each has a place on the airspeed indicator.

At a glance

• V_NE, never exceed160 KIAS
• V_NO, maximum structural cruising126 KIAS
• V_FE, maximum flaps extended103 KIAS
• V_A at 2440 lb111 KIAS
• V_A at 1531 lb88 KIAS
• White arc (flap down)44 to 103 KIAS
• Green arc (normal operating)50 to 126 KIAS
• Yellow arc (caution, smooth air only)126 to 160 KIAS
• Red radial line (never exceed)160 KIAS

The limits

• Never exceed speed, V_NE — 160 KIAS (153 KCAS). Not to be exceeded in any operation.

• Maximum structural cruising speed, V_NO — 126 KIAS (122 KCAS). Exceed it only in smooth air, and even then with caution.

• Maximum flaps extended speed, V_FE — 103 KIAS (100 KCAS). Not to be exceeded with the flaps extended.

• Design maneuvering speed, V_A — 111 KIAS (108 KCAS) at 2440 lb gross weight and 88 KIAS (89 KCAS) at 1531 lb gross weight. No full or abrupt control movements above it.

CAUTION — Maneuvering speed falls as the airplane gets lighter, because aerodynamic forces become more pronounced. Between the two listed weights, linear interpolation may be used. Do not exceed V_A in rough air.

Airspeed indicator markings

Each limit is painted on the dial. The white arc runs from 44 to 103 KIAS for flap-down operation; the green arc, the normal operating range, from 50 to 126 KIAS; the yellow caution arc, for smooth air only, from 126 to 160 KIAS; and the red radial line at 160 KIAS marks the never exceed speed.

Figure: Airspeed indicator markings (redrawn).

The arc ends line up with the limits: the top of the white arc is V_FE, the top of the green arc is V_NO, and the red line is V_NE.

Check yourself

• What are V_NE, V_NO and V_FE in KIAS?

• What are the two maneuvering speeds, and at what weights?

• Why does maneuvering speed fall at lighter weights, and how is it found between the listed weights?

• Which arc marks the caution range, and when may you fly in it?

• Which limit does the top of each arc correspond to?

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