Airspeed Limitations

The Seminole is flown as a normal category airplane, inside the limits this section sets. The airspeed limits come first, each published as an indicated (KIAS) and a calibrated (KCAS) value.

At a glance

• V_NE202 KIAS (194 KCAS)
• V_NO169 KIAS (165 KCAS)
• V_O at 3800 lb135 KIAS (133 KCAS)
• V_O at 2870 lb115 KIAS (115 KCAS)
• V_LE140 KIAS (138 KCAS)
• V_LO extension140 KIAS (138 KCAS)
• V_LO retraction109 KIAS (109 KCAS)
• V_FE111 KIAS (109 KCAS)
• One engine inoperative best rate of climb88 KIAS (90 KCAS)
• V_MCA56 KIAS (63 KCAS)

Category

The Seminole is operated in the normal category, complying with this section's operating limitations and the handbook. Limitations for optional equipment that needs a supplement are found in Section 9.

Speed limits

• V_NE (never exceed) — 202 KIAS (194 KCAS). Not to be exceeded in any operation.

• V_NO (maximum structural cruising) — 169 KIAS (165 KCAS). Exceed it only in smooth air, and then with caution.

• V_O (maximum operating maneuvering), 3800 lb — 135 KIAS (133 KCAS). No full or abrupt control inputs above it.

• V_O, 2870 lb — 115 KIAS (115 KCAS).

CAUTION — Maneuvering speed gets lower as the airplane gets lighter, because the aerodynamic forces become more pronounced. Interpolate linearly for weights in between, and do not exceed maneuvering speed in turbulent air.

Gear and flap speeds

• V_LE (gear extended) — 140 KIAS (138 KCAS).

• V_LO (gear extension) — 140 KIAS (138 KCAS).

• V_LO (gear retraction) — 109 KIAS (109 KCAS).

• V_FE (flaps extended) — 111 KIAS (109 KCAS).

The gear may be lowered at a higher speed than it may be raised: 140 KIAS down, but only 109 KIAS up.

One-engine speeds

• One engine inoperative best rate of climb — 88 KIAS (90 KCAS).

• V_MCA (air minimum control speed) — 56 KIAS (63 KCAS): the lowest airspeed at which the airplane can be controlled with one engine operating and no flaps.

NOTE — On this airplane V_MCA is defined by aerodynamic stall.

Check yourself

• What are V_NE and V_NO in KIAS, and when may V_NO be exceeded?

• What is maneuvering speed at 3800 lb and at 2870 lb, and why does it fall with weight?

• What are the gear extension and gear retraction speeds?

• What is V_FE?

• What is V_MCA, and what defines it on this airplane?

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