Chapter 5: V-Speeds / Transponder Codes

Vso

33kts

Stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in landing configuration.

Lower limit of white arc.

Vs or Vs1

44kts

Stall Speed/minimum flight speed at which the airplane is controllable.

Lower limit of green arc.

What is the difference between Vx & Vy

Vx = Climb Angle (60kts)

Vy = Climb Speed (76kts)

Vfe

85kts

Maximum speed with flaps extended

Va

99kts

Maneuvering Speed. Cannot perform maneuvers exceeding this speed without stressing the plane.

Difference between Vr & Vy

Vr = rotation speed (55kts)

Vy = best climb speed once you’re flying (76kts)

Vx

60kts

Best angle of climb speed.

• speed which results in greatest gain of altitude in a given distance.

Best Glide Angle

65kts

Listed in POH, depends on plane.

Gives your plane the greatest distance traveled for each foot of altitude lost.

Vno

127kts

Maximum normal operating speed/structural cruise speed.

Highest speed you can fly safely in smooth air.

Marked by the upper limit of the green arc on the airspeed indicator.

Glide Ratio

How far you can glide forward for each foot of altitude lost.

Vne

158kts

Never exceed speed (red line)

Transponder Codes

1200 : VFR Flying Code

7500 : Hijacking

7600 : Lost Communication

7700 : Emergency

1. Vso = 33kts

2. Vs = 44kts

3. White Arc

4. Vfe = 85kts

5. Green Arc

6. Vno = 127kts

7. Yellow Arc

8. Vne = 158

VLE

Maximum landing gear extension speed.

Speed where plane can be safely flown with landing gear extended.

VLO

Maximum landing gear operating speed; where landing gear can be safely extended or retracted.

What does the difference between the green arc and the yellow arc?

Green = normal operating range.

Yellow = caution range (only in smooth air)