Aeronautical Terms beginning with V
Va
The design maneuvering speed. This is the “rough air” speed and the maximum speed for abrupt maneuvers. If during flight, rough air or severe turbulence is encountered, reduce the airspeed to maneuvering speed or less to minimize stress on the airplane structure. It is important to consider weight when referencing this speed. For example, VA may be 100 knots when an airplane is heavily loaded, but only 90 knots when the load is light.
Vfe
The maximum speed with the flaps extended. The upper limit of the white arc.
Vfo
The maximum speed that the flaps can be extended or retracted.
Vle
Landing gear extended speed. The maximum speed at which an airplane can be safely flown with the landing gear extended.
Vlo
Landing gear operating speed. The maximum speed for extending or retracting the landing gear if using an airplane equipped with retractable landing gear.
Vlof
Lift-off speed. The speed at which the aircraft departs the runway during takeoff.
Vmc
Minimum control airspeed. This is the minimum flight speed at which a twin-engine airplane can be satisfactorily controlled when an engine suddenly becomes inoperative and the remaining engine is at takeoff power.
Vmd
Minimum drag speed.
Vmo
Maximum operating speed expressed in knots.
Vne
Never-exceed speed. Operating above this speed is prohibited since it may result in damage or structural failure. The red line on the airspeed indicator.
Vno
Maximum structural cruising speed. Do not exceed this speed except in smooth air. The upper limit of the green arc.
Vp
Minimum dynamic hydroplaning speed. The minimum speed required to start dynamic hydroplaning.
Vr
Rotation speed. The speed that the pilot begins rotating the aircraft prior to lift-off.
Vs1
Stalling speed or the minimum steady flight speed obtained in a specified configuration. For most airplanes, this is the power-off stall speed at the maximum takeoff weight in the clean configuration (gear up, if retractable, and flaps up). The lower limit of the green arc.
Vso
Stalling speed or the minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration. In small airplanes, this is the power-off stall speed at the maximum landing weight in the landing configuration (gear and flaps down). The lower limit of the white arc.
Vsse
Safe, intentional one-engine inoperative speed. The minimum speed to intentionally render the critical engine inoperative.
Vx
Best angle-of-climb speed. The airspeed at which an airplane gains the greatest amount of altitude in a given distance. It is used during a short-field takeoff to clear an obstacle.
Vxse
Best angle of climb speed with one engine inoperative. The airspeed at which an airplane gains the greatest amount of altitude in a given distance in a light, twin-engine airplane following an engine failure.
Vy
Best rate-of-climb speed. This airspeed provides the most altitude gain in a given period of time.
Vyse
Best rate-of-climb speed with one engine inoperative. This airspeed provides the most altitude gain in a given period of time in a light, twin-engine airplane following an engine failure.
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