Skip to content
Docs
Performance
Airspeed Markings

Airspeed Color Markings 

Tips: So → Fe → S1 → No → Ne
(“So fancy, no need!”)

Airspeed Indicator Color Markings
Airspeed Indicator Color Markings

Color ArcSpeed Range NameDescription
White ArcFlap Operating RangeStarts at $V_{SO}$ (Stall speed in landing configuration) and ends at $V_{FE}$ (Maximum flap extended speed).
Green ArcNormal Operating RangeStarts at $V_{S1}$ (Stall speed in a clean configuration) and ends at $V_{NO}$ (Maximum structural cruising speed).
Yellow ArcCaution RangeRange between $V_{NO}$ and $V_{NE}$. Operate within this range only in smooth air and with caution.
Red LineNever Exceed Speed$V_{NE}$; exceeding this speed may cause structural failure.

White Arc: Flap Operating Range
White Arc: Flap Operating Range
Green Arc: Normal Operating Range
Green Arc: Normal Operating Range
Yellow Arc: Caution Range
Yellow Arc: Caution Range

Other Airspeed Limitations

  • Design maneuvering speed VAV_A: The maximum speed at which the structural design’s limit load can be imposed (either by gusts or full deflection of the control surfaces) without causing structural damage. It is important to consider weight when referencing this speed. For example, VAV_A may be 100 knots when an airplane is heavily loaded, but only 90 knots when the load is light.
  • Landing gear operating speed VLOV_{LO}: The maximum speed for extending or retracting the landing gear if flying an aircraft with retractable landing gear.
  • Landing gear extended speed VLEV_{LE}: The maximum speed at which an aircraft can be safely flown with the landing gear extended.
  • Minimum control speed VMCV_{MC}: The minimum flight speed at which a light, twin-engine aircraft can be satisfactorily controlled when an engine suddenly becomes inoperative and the remaining engine is at takeoff power.

Related Topics

VXV_X & VYV_Y?

  • Best angle-of-climb speed VXV_X: The airspeed at which an aircraft gains the greatest amount of altitude in a given distance. It is used during a short-field takeoff to clear an obstacle.
  • Best rate-of-climb speed VYV_Y: The airspeed that provides the most altitude gain in a given period of time.
    • Single-engine best rate-of-climb VYSEV_{YSE}: The best rate-of-climb or minimum rate-of-sink in a light twin-engine aircraft with one engine inoperative. It is marked on the ASI with a blue line. VYSEV_{YSE} is commonly referred to as “Blue Line.”
Last updated on