VNE Revisited

In our January issue, we ran an article, "Slow Down, You Move Too Fast," which focused on aerodynamic flutter, how high speeds can cause it and what can be done to minimize it. One aspect of the article drew comments and criticism from readers, some of which were published in the Unicom section in our March issue, involved that articles statements referencing a fixed-wing aircrafts never-exceed speed (VNE) as a true airspeed. Many readers rightly took us to task for those statements, pointing out VNE is an indicated airspeed-at least when published for the airplanes they fly-expressing skepticism and questioning our veracity. This article is an attempt to both respond to those valid criticisms and set straight the record associated with never-exceed speeds and our original statements.

Key Takeaways:

• The article retracts a previous statement, clarifying that while VNE (never-exceed speed) is typically an indicated airspeed for most personal aircraft, it can be a true airspeed or adjusted for altitude in specialized aircraft.
• It emphasizes that aerodynamic flutter, which VNE safeguards against, is governed by true airspeed (TAS), not indicated airspeed (IAS).
• This distinction means the safety margin between VNE (often an IAS) and the critical flutter speed (a TAS) diminishes significantly at higher altitudes.
• Pilots are cautioned that older aircraft or those operating at high altitudes near VNE may have an eroded margin against flutter due to true airspeed effects and potential airframe wear.

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