Maneuvering Speed

Lesson Objective

The candidate will learn what Maneuvering Speed (V_A) is, what hazards are associated with this speed.  The instructor and student will fly together in dual practice, and accelerate to V_A, for at least a few moments, to get a feel for the stick sensitivity at this speed.  

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-Solo: §61.87(i)(8)
• Private Pilot: PTS - V

Completion Standards

• successful demonstration of flight to the V_A speed, appropriate for the conditions and the glider

• dictate the maneuvering speed for the club gliders
• explain the hazards associated with rapid control movement above V_A
• Explain the influence of aircraft loading on the speed of V_A
  

Prerequisite Study

• § 1.2  Abbreviations and symbols.

• Glider Flying Handbook "Maneuvering Speed", page 4-3
• V-Speeds -- Wikpedia article on V-Speeds

• The Myth of Maneuvering Speed -- Flying Magazine

The Skyline Soaring Training Syllabus by The Skyline Soaring Club is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://skylinesoaring.org/ABOUT/.