V speeds
A single-engine Cessna 150L's airspeed indicator indicating its V speeds for minimum possible flight speed (Vs0), stall speed (Vs), maximum speed with flaps extended (Vfe), maximum normal operating speed (Vno) and never-exceed speed (Vne – i.e. the speed beyond which the airframe will be overstressed).
In aviation, V-speeds (Velocity-speeds) are standard terms used to define airspeeds important or useful to the operation of aircraft, such as fixed-wing aircraft, gliders, autogiros, helicopters, and dirigibles.[1] These speeds are derived from data obtained by aircraft designers and manufacturers during flight testing and verified in most countries by government flight inspectors during aircraft type-certification testing. Using them is considered a best practice to maximize aviation safety, aircraft performance or both.[2]
The actual speeds represented by these designators are true airspeeds specific to a particular model of aircraft, and are expressed in terms of the aircraft's indicated airspeed, so that pilots may use them directly, without having to apply correction factors.
In general aviation aircraft, the most commonly-used and most safety-critical airspeeds are displayed as color-coded arcs and lines located on the face of an aircraft's airspeed indicator. The lower ends of the green arc and the white arc are the stalling speed with wing flaps retracted, and stalling speed with wing flaps fully extended, respectively. These are the stalling speeds for the aircraft at its maximum weight.[3][4]
Having V speeds properly displayed is an airworthiness requirement for type-certificated aircraft in most parts of the world.[5][6]
Contents |
Regulation
The most common V-speeds are often defined by a particular government's aviation regulations. In the United States, these are defined in title 14 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, known as the Federal Aviation Regulations or FARs.[7] In Canada, the regulatory body, Transport Canada, defines 26 commonly-used V-speeds in their Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).[8]
Regulatory V-speeds
These V-speeds are defined by regulations.
| V-speed designator | Description |
|---|---|
| V1 | Critical engine failure recognition speed. (See V1 definitions below)[7][8][9] |
| V2 | Takeoff safety speed. The speed at which the aircraft may safely become airborne with one engine inoperative.[7][8][9] |
| V2min | Minimum takeoff safety speed.[7][8][9] |
| V3 | Flap retraction speed.[8][9] |
| V4 | Steady initial climb speed. The all engines operating take-off climb speed used to the point where acceleration to flap retraction speed is initiated. Should be attained by a gross height of 400 feet.[10] |
| VA | Design maneuvering speed, also known as the "Speed for maximum control deflection." This is the speed above which it is unwise to make full application of any single flight control (or "pull to the stops") as it may generate a force greater than the aircraft's structural limitations.[7][8][11][9] The heavier an aircraft is loaded the faster this speed. |
| VB | Design speed for maximum gust intensity.[7][8][9] |
| VC | Design cruising speed, also known as the optimum cruise speed, is the most efficient speed in terms of distance, speed and fuel usage.[7][8][11][9] |
| VD | Design diving speed.[7][8][9] |
| VDF | Demonstrated flight diving speed.[7][8][9] |
| VEF | The speed at which the Critical engine is assumed to fail during takeoff.[7] |
| VF | Designed flap speed.[7][8][9] |
| VFC | Maximum speed for stability characteristics.[7][9] |
| VFE | Maximum flap extended speed.[7][8][9] |
| VFTO | Final takeoff speed.[7] |
| VH | Maximum speed in level flight at maximum continuous power.[7][8][9] |
| VLE | Maximum landing gear extended speed. This is the maximum speed at which it is safe to fly a retractable gear aircraft with the landing gear extended.[7][8][9][12] |
| VLO | Maximum landing gear operating speed. This is the maximum speed at which it is safe to extend or retract the landing gear on a retractable gear aircraft.[7][8][9][12] |
| VLOF | Lift-off speed.[7][9] |
| VMC | Minimum control speed with Critical engine inoperative.[7][8][9] |
| Vmca | Minimum control speed in the take-off configuration – the minimum calibrated airspeed at which the aircraft is directionally controllable in flight with a sudden Critical engine failure and takeoff power on the operative engine(s).[9] |
| Vmcg | Minimum control speed on the ground - the minimum airspeed at which the aircraft is directionally controllable during acceleration along the runway with one engine inoperative, takeoff power on the operative engine(s), and with nose wheel steering assumed inoperative.[9][13] |
| Vmcl | Minimum control speed in the landing configuration with one engine inoperative.[9][13] |
| VMO | Maximum operating limit speed.[7][8][9] |
| VMU | Minimum unstick speed.[7][8][9] |
| VNE | Never exceed speed.[7][8][9][14] |
| VNO | Maximum structural cruising speed or maximum speed for normal operations.[7][8][9] |
| VR | Rotation speed. The speed at which the aircraft's nosewheel leaves the ground.[7][8][9] |
| VRef | Landing reference speed or threshold crossing speed.[7][8][9] |
| VS | Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed for which the aircraft is still controllable.[7][8][9] |
| VS0 | Stall speed or minimum flight speed in landing configuration.[7][8][9] |
| VS1 | Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed for which the aircraft is still controllable in a specific configuration.[7][8] |
| VSR | Reference stall speed.[7] |
| VSR0 | Reference stall speed in landing configuration.[7] |
| VSR1 | Reference stall speed in a specific configuration.[7] |
| VSW | Speed at which the stall warning will occur.[7] |
| VTOSS | Category A rotorcraft takeoff safety speed.[7][14] |
| VX | Speed that will allow for best angle of climb.[7][8] |
| VY | Speed that will allow for the best rate of climb.[7][8] |
Other V-speeds
Some of these V-speeds are specific to particular types of aircraft and are not defined by regulations.
| V-speed designator | Description |
|---|---|
| VBE | Best endurance speed – the speed that gives the greatest airborne time for fuel consumed. This may be used when there is reason to remain aloft for an extended period, such as waiting for a forecast improvement in weather on the ground.[11] |
| VBG | Best power-off glide speed – the speed that provides maximum lift-to-drag ratio and thus the greatest gliding distance available.[11] |
| VBR | Best range speed – the speed that gives the greatest range for fuel consumed - often identical to Vmd.[15] |
| VFS | Final segment of a departure with one powerplant failed.[16] |
| Vimd | Minimum drag[17] |
| Vimp | Minimum power[17] |
| VLLO | Maximum landing light operating speed – for aircraft with retractable landing lights.[9] |
| Vmbe | Maximum brake energy speed[18][17] |
| Vmd | Minimum drag (per lift) - often identical to VBR.[15][18] (alternatively same as Vimd[19]) |
| Vmin | Minimum speed for instrument flight (IFR) for helicopters[14] |
| Vmp | Minimum power[18] |
| Vp | Aquaplaning speed[20] |
| VPD | Maximum speed at which whole-aircraft parachute deployment has been demonstrated[21] |
| Vra | Rough air speed (turbulence penetration speed).[9] |
| VSL | stall speed in a specific configuration[9][18] |
| Vs1g | stall speed at maximum lift coefficient[18] |
| Vsse | Safe single engine speed[22] |
| Vt | Threshold speed[18] |
| Vtocs | Take-off climbout speed (helicopters)[14] |
| Vtos | Minimum speed for a positive rate of climb with one engine inoperative[18] |
| Vtmax | Max threshold speed[23][18] |
| Vwo | Maximum window or canopy open operating speed[24] |
| VXSE | Best angle of climb speed with a single operating engine in a light, twin-engine aircraft – the speed that provides the most altitude gain per unit of horizontal distance following an engine failure.[22] |
| VYSE | Best rate of climb speed with a single operating engine in a light, twin-engine aircraft – the speed that provides the most altitude gain per unit of time following an engine failure.[12][22] |
| VZRC | Zero rate of climb speed in a twin-engine aircraft[18] |
Mach Numbers
Whenever a limiting speed is expressed in terms of Mach Number, it is expressed as an 'M speed', e.g. VMO: Maximum operating limit speed (in knots), MMO: Maximum operating limit Mach.[7][8]
V1 definitions
V1 is the critical engine failure recognition speed or takeoff decision speed. It is the decision speed nominated by the pilot which satisfies all safety rules, and above which the takeoff will continue even if an engine fails.[9] The speed will vary between aircraft types and also due to aircraft weight, runway length, wing flap setting, engine thrust used, runway surface contamination and other factors.
V1 is defined differently in different jurisdictions:
- The US Federal Aviation Administration defines it as: V1 means the maximum speed in the takeoff at which the pilot must take the first action (e.g., apply brakes, reduce thrust, deploy speed brakes) to stop the airplane within the accelerate-stop distance. V1 also means the minimum speed in the takeoff, following a failure of the critical engine at VEF, at which the pilot can continue the takeoff and achieve the required height above the takeoff surface within the takeoff distance.[7]
- Transport Canada defines it as: Critical engine failure recognition speed and adds: This definition is not restrictive. An operator may adopt any other definition outlined in the aircraft flight manual (AFM) of TC type-approved aircraft as long as such definition does not compromise operational safety of the aircraft.[8]
References
- ↑ Love, Michael C. (2005). "2". Better Takeoffs & Landings. Mc-Graw Hill. pp. 13–15. ISBN 0070388059. http://books.google.com/?id=p9XT6aHBrGAC&pg=PA13&dq=definition+of+v-speed. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ↑ Craig, Paul A. (2004). "1". Multiengine Flying (3rd ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 3–6. ISBN 0071421394. http://books.google.com/?id=Tu0zmyyCkwwC&pg=PA3&dq=aviation+%2B+v-speed. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (July 2008). "Title 14: Aeronautics and Space PART 23—AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Subpart G—Operating Limitations and Information Markings And Placards, Part 23, §23.1545". http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9b06546343b9c534cd8cbe093366e8a1&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:1.0.1.3.10.7.105.16&idno=14. Retrieved 2008-08-01.
- ↑ "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge - Chapter 7" (PDF). FAA. http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2007.pdf. Retrieved 2010-01-29.
- ↑ "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge - Chapter 8" (PDF). FAA. http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2008.pdf. Retrieved 2010-01-29.
- ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (July 2008). "Title 14: Aeronautics and Space PART 25—AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Subpart G—Operating Limitations and Information Airplane Flight Manual, Part 25, §25.1583". http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9b06546343b9c534cd8cbe093366e8a1&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:1.0.1.3.11.7.200.32&idno=14. Retrieved 2008-08-01.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 7.23 7.24 7.25 7.26 7.27 7.28 7.29 7.30 7.31 7.32 7.33 7.34 7.35 7.36 "Electronic Code of Federal Regulations - Chapter 14.1". Federal Aviation Administration. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=c2d90aaaf3558c7b326df06c7823b1f5;rgn=div5;view=text;node=14%3A1.0.1.1.1;idno=14;cc=ecfr. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 Transport Canada (March 2008). "Aeronautical Information Manual GEN - 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION". http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/publications/tp14371/GEN/1-1.htm#1-9-1. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
- ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 9.20 9.21 9.22 9.23 9.24 9.25 9.26 9.27 9.28 9.29 9.30 9.31 Peppler, I.L.: From The Ground Up, page 327. Aviation Publishers Co. Limited, Ottawa Ontario, Twenty Seventh Revised Edition, 1996. ISBN 09690054-9-0
- ↑ CAP 698: Civil Aviation Authority JAR-FCL Examinations: Aeroplane Performance Manual. Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom). 2006. pp. Section 4–MRJT1 Page 3. ISBN 0-11790-653-0. http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP698.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Brandon, John (2000-2007). "Airspeed and the Properties of Air". http://www.auf.asn.au/groundschool/umodule2.html. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Pilot's Encyclopedia of Aeronautical Knowledge. Federal Aviation Administration. 2007. pp. G–16. ISBN 978-1-60239-034-8. http://books.google.com/?id=m5V04SXE4zQC&pg=PT333&dq=v+speeds+%2B+Vyse. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Federal Aviation Administration. (February 2009). "Title 14: Aeronautics and Space PART 25—AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Subpart B—Flight Controllability and Maneuverability § 25.149 Minimum control speed.". http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=c884df43e59bd72bc094f5e164c7ec8b&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:1.0.1.3.11.2.156.24&idno=14. Retrieved 2009-02-16.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Bell Helicopter Textron: Bell Model 212 Rotorcraft Flight Manual, page II. Bell Helicopters Textron Publishers, Fort Worth, Texas, Revision 3, 01 may 1998. BHT-212IFR-FM-1
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Brandon, John (Octoberl 2008). "Airspeed and the properties of air". http://www.auf.asn.au/groundschool/umodule2.html#vspeed. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
- ↑ airplanedriver.net (undated). "Cessna Citation". http://www.airplanedriver.net/study/part25.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Bristow, Gary (undated). [&source=bl&ots=7LRaUDGgTH&sig=TM2RCG30U2073SPv34NPc-cMz28&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA7,M1 "Ace the Technical Pilot Interview". http://books.google.ca/books?id=aGL035btsg4C&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=Vimd+%09Minimum+drag[&source=bl&ots=7LRaUDGgTH&sig=TM2RCG30U2073SPv34NPc-cMz28&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA7,M1. Retrieved 2009-01-20.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 18.8 Croucher, Phil (2007). "Canadian Professional Pilot Studies". http://books.google.ca/books?id=wfiGiY2ixTkC&pg=RA3-PR26&lpg=RA3-PR26&dq=Vt+Threshold+speed&source=web&ots=oDCuGGclc2&sig=WQmpyFI7vuco10mLlFtGQsMzB6U&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result#PRA3-PR25,M1. Retrieved 2009-01-20.
- ↑ "Transportation Safety Board of Canada - A05W0109". http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2005/a05w0109/a05w0109.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-26.
- ↑ Croucher, Phil (2007). "Canadian Professional Pilot Studies". http://books.google.ca/books?id=wfiGiY2ixTkC&pg=RA3-PR20&lpg=RA3-PR20&dq=Vp+aquaplaning&source=web&ots=oDCuGGcih2&sig=8q7P1qdTYaW8qxwcqsu94DsKyG4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result. Retrieved 2009-01-20.
- ↑ SR20 Pilot's Operating Handbook. Cirrus Design. 2004. p. 8.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Flight Sim Aviation (2009). "Aviation Rules of Thumb - V-Speeds Abbreviations List". http://www.flightsimaviation.com/rule-of-thumb/27_VSpeeds_Abbreviations_List.html. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
- ↑ TheFreeDictionary (2009). "VTMAX". http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Maximum+Threshold+Speed+(aviation). Retrieved 2009-01-19.
- ↑ Blue Ridge Air Works (undated). "Cessna 152 - 4843H General Info". http://www.blueridgeairworks.com/specs.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-13.
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