Register

VNE Revisited Redux

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The magazine corrected its previous, repeated error regarding VNE, clarifying that for most certified aircraft, the Never-Exceed Speed is an indicated airspeed, not a true airspeed.
  • While VNE is an indicated airspeed, the critical flutter speed is a true airspeed, meaning the safety margin between them decreases at higher altitudes.
  • The slight (4%) increase in G100UL unleaded avgas weight has a negligible effect on an aircraft's empty weight, as this applies only to the small quantity of unusable fuel.
See a mistake? Contact us.

In your September 2022 issue, in response to Scott Burkhart’s email, you unnecessarily scare him by stating that VNE is a true airspeed (for his Mooney). In fact, for him, and the vast majority of people who fly certified planes, VNE is an indicated airspeed that is safe to fly (flutter-wise) up to the aircraft’s ceiling.

You had to walk back the “VNE is a true airspeed” claim once before, in May 2011. Why shoot yourselves in the foot and have to do it again?

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE