PerformanceSpeed Limitations
Maximum Manoeuvre Speed
Maximum manoeuvre speed is the maximum airspeed at which full and abrupt deflection of the flight controls will not overstress the aircraft structure. Above this speed, sudden control movements or severe turbulence could cause structural damage before the aircraft stalls.
Key Points
- •Denoted as <strong>V<sub>A</sub></strong> on performance charts and airspeed indicators.
- •At or below V<sub>A</sub>, the aircraft will aerodynamically stall before exceeding its design load factor limit.
- •V<sub>A</sub> decreases as the aircraft's weight decreases — a lighter aircraft reaches its load factor limit at a lower speed.
Exam Relevance
A highly tested limitation concept; pilots must know to reduce speed to Va or below when penetrating turbulent air to protect the airframe.
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