Explain airspeed as it relates to aircraft performance.

Explanation should encompass concepts including

• the maximum-level flight speed for the aircraft is obtained when the power or thrust required equals the maximum power or thrust available from the powerplant
• the minimum-level flight airspeed is not usually defined by thrust or power requirement since conditions of stall or stability and control problems predominate.
• the definition of terms related to airspeed
  • maximum structural cruising speed (VNO)
  • never-exceed speed (VNE)
  • True airspeed
  • calibrated airspeed
  • color-coding on airspeed indicator.

PLT123

Process/Skill Questions:

• What does the “V” in V-speeds indicate?