Airspeed Limitations and Markings

Every airspeed limit on this aeroplane is published in CAS, and the airspeed indicator is marked in MPH. Learn the arcs as a picture first and the numbers will follow: the instrument itself is the memory aid.

At a glance

• Never exceed speed (glide or dive, smooth air)158 kts / 182 MPH CAS
• Maximum structural cruising speed126 kts / 145 MPH CAS
• Maximum speed, flaps 10°110 kts / 126 MPH CAS
• Maximum speed, flaps 20°85 kts / 98 MPH CAS
• Maximum speed, flaps 30-40°85 kts / 97 MPH CAS
• Manoeuvring speed97 kts / 112 MPH CAS
• Red line (never exceed)182 MPH CAS
• Yellow arc (caution range)145-182 MPH CAS
• Green arc (normal operating range)61-145 MPH CAS
• White arc (flap operating range)54-100 MPH CAS

The four speed limits

• Never exceed speed — 158 kts / 182 MPH CAS, in a glide or dive in smooth air

• Maximum structural cruising speed — 126 kts / 145 MPH CAS

• Manoeuvring speed — 97 kts / 112 MPH CAS, the maximum speed at which abrupt control travel may be used

• Maximum speed with flap extended — depends on the setting, below

Flap limiting speeds

Three flap settings carry three separate limits, and the last two are only one MPH apart — a detail worth noticing so you do not misremember them as identical:

• Flaps 10°: 110 kts / 126 MPH CAS

• Flaps 20°: 85 kts / 98 MPH CAS

• Flaps 30-40°: 85 kts / 97 MPH CAS

Airspeed indicator markings

The markings are given in CAS:

• Red line: 182 MPH

• Yellow arc, caution range: 145-182 MPH

• Green arc, normal operating range: 61-145 MPH

• White arc, flap operating range: 54-100 MPH

Figure: Airspeed indicator arcs and red line, MPH CAS (redrawn).

Notice that the top of the green arc and the bottom of the yellow arc meet at the same figure as the maximum structural cruising speed, and the red line sits at the never exceed speed.

Check yourself

• What is the never exceed speed in knots and MPH CAS?

• What is the manoeuvring speed, and what does it limit?

• What are the maximum speeds for flaps 10°, 20° and 30-40°?

• State the range of each of the four airspeed indicator markings.

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