Normal Operating Speeds

The normal procedures open with a short list of speeds for safe operation, figured for a standard airplane at gross weight in standard sea-level conditions. Three different speeds on this list and in the emergency section share the value 82 KIAS — so always say which one you mean.

At a glance

• V_Y (best rate of climb)88 KIAS
• V_X (best angle of climb)82 KIAS
• V_O at gross weight135 KIAS
• V_O at 2870 lb115 KIAS
• Maximum flap speed111 KIAS
• Final approach, flaps 40°, short field75 KIAS
• V_SSE82 KIAS
• Maximum demonstrated crosswind17 KTS

The speeds

• Best rate of climb (V_Y) — 88 KIAS.

• Best angle of climb (V_X) — 82 KIAS.

• Maximum operating maneuvering speed (V_O) — 135 KIAS, or 115 KIAS at 2870 lb.

• Maximum flap speed — 111 KIAS.

• Landing final approach, flaps 40°, short field effort — 75 KIAS.

• Intentional one engine inoperative speed (V_SSE) — 82 KIAS.

These figures assume a standard airplane at gross weight, in standard sea-level conditions.

Crosswind

The maximum demonstrated crosswind is 17 knots. The speed list prints the figure as 17 KIAS; the landing section gives the maximum demonstrated crosswind component during landing as 17 KTS.

Check yourself

• What are V_Y and V_X?

• What is V_SSE, and which other speeds share its value?

• What final approach speed is used for a flaps-40° short field landing?

• What is the maximum demonstrated crosswind?

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