Airspeed Terminology

Question 1

CAS

Answer 1

Calibrated Airspeed is the Indicated Airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for position and instrument error.

Question 2

GS

Answer 2

Ground Speed is the speed of the airplane over the ground

Question 3

IAS

Answer 3

Indicated Airspeed is the speed of the aircraft as shown on the airspeed indicator (corrected for instrument error)

Question 4

TAS

Answer 4

True Airspeed is the airspeed of the aircraft relative to undisturbed error. It is Calibrated Airspeed corrected for altitude, temperature and compressibility

Question 5

Va

Answer 5

Maneuvering Speed is the maximum speed at which full application of controls will not over stress the airplane. Va decreases at lighter weight as the effect of aerodynamic forces become more pronounced.

Question 6

Vfe

Answer 6

Maximum Flap Extended speed is the highest permissible with the flaps extended

Question 7

Vne

Answer 7

Never Exceed Speed is the speed limit that may not be exceeded at any time

Question 8

Vno

Answer 8

Maximum Structural Cruising Speed is the speed that should not be exceeded except in smooth air and only with caution.

Question 9

Vs

Answer 9

Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable. Vs is normally for a clean configuration (flaps up)

Question 10

Vso

Answer 10

Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable. Vso is normally for the landing configuration (flaps down)

Question 11

Vx

Answer 11

Best Angle of Climb Speed is the airspeed that delivers the greatest gain in altitude in the shortest possible horizontal DISTANCE.

Question 12

Vy

Answer 12

Best Rate of Climb Speed is the airspeed that delivers the greatest gain in altitude in the shortest possible horizontal TIME.