Airspeed Limitations

Every airspeed limit on the P2006T exists to keep the airframe, the landing gear and the flaps inside the loads they were built for. This lesson lists the certified airspeed limitations from the Section 2 table: the speeds you must never exceed, the speeds tied to gear and flap position, and the manoeuvring and minimum-control speeds.

At a glance

• V_NE — never exceed speed171 KIAS (172 KCAS)
• V_NO — maximum structural cruising speed138 KIAS (136 KCAS)
• V_A / V_O — design / operating manoeuvring speed122 KIAS (119 KCAS)
• V_LE — maximum landing-gear-extended speed122 KIAS (119 KCAS)
• V_LO — maximum landing-gear-operating speed122 KIAS (119 KCAS)
• V_FE — maximum flaps-extended speed, LND93 KIAS (93 KCAS)
• V_FE — maximum flaps-extended speed, T.O.122 KIAS (119 KCAS)
• V_MC — minimum control speed, one engine inoperative62 KIAS (62 KCAS)

Speeds you must not exceed

V_NE, the never exceed speed, is 171 KIAS (172 KCAS), and it must not be exceeded in any operation. V_NO, the maximum structural cruising speed, is 138 KIAS (136 KCAS); above it the aircraft is flown only in smooth air and with caution.

Gear and flap speeds

The landing gear shares one number for both extending and operating it: V_LE (gear extended) and V_LO (gear operating) are each 122 KIAS (119 KCAS). The maximum flaps-extended speed depends on the flap setting:

• V_FE, T.O. flaps — 122 KIAS (119 KCAS)

• V_FE, LND flaps — 93 KIAS (93 KCAS)

Manoeuvring and minimum control

On the Section 2 speed table, the design manoeuvring speed V_A and the operating manoeuvring speed V_O are both listed at 122 KIAS (119 KCAS). The minimum control speed with one engine inoperative, V_MC, is 62 KIAS (62 KCAS) — the two lowest-margin numbers in the table and the ones worth knowing cold.

Check yourself

• What is V_NE, and in what conditions may it be approached?

• Above what speed must the aircraft be flown only in smooth air and with caution?

• What is the maximum flaps-extended speed with LND flaps, and how does it compare with T.O. flaps?

• What is V_MC, and what condition does it assume?

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