These V-speeds are defined by regulations.

V-speed Description

V1 Critical engine failure recognition speed. (See V1 definitions below)[7][8][9]

V2 T/off safety speed. The speed at which the aircraft may safely become airborne with one eng inop.[7][8][9]

V2min Minimum takeoff safety speed.[7][8][9]

V3 Flap retraction speed.[8][9]

Steady initial climb speed. The all engines operating take-off climb speed used to the point where
V4
acceleration to flap retraction speed is initiated. Should be attained by a gross height of 400 feet.[10]

Design maneuvering speed, also known as the "Speed for maximum control deflection." This is the
speed above which it is unwise to make full application of any single flight control (or "pull to the
VA
stops") as it may generate a force greater than the aircraft's structural limitations.[7][8][11][9] The heavier an
aircraft is loaded the faster this speed.

VB Design speed for maximum gust intensity.[7][8][9]

Design cruising speed, also known as the optimum cruise speed, is the most efficient speed in terms of
VC
distance, speed and fuel usage.[7][8][11][9]

VD Design diving speed.[7][8][9]

VDF Demonstrated flight diving speed.[7][8][9]

VEF The speed at which the Critical engine is assumed to fail during takeoff.[7]

VF Designed flap speed.[7][8][9]

1
VFC Maximum speed for stability characteristics.[7][9]

VFE Maximum flap extended speed.[7][8][9]

VFTO Final takeoff speed.[7]

VH Maximum speed in level flight at maximum continuous power.[7][8][9]

Maximum landing gear extended speed. This is the maximum speed at which it is safe to fly a
VLE
retractable gear aircraft with the landing gear extended.[7][8][9][12]

Maximum landing gear operating speed. This is the maximum speed at which it is safe to extend or
VLO
retract the landing gear on a retractable gear aircraft.[7][8][9][12]

VLOF Lift-off speed.[7][9]

VMC Minimum control speed with Critical engine inoperative.[7][8][9]

Minimum control speed in the take-off configuration – the minimum calibrated airspeed at which the
Vmca aircraft is directionally controllable in flight with a sudden Critical engine failure and takeoff power on
the operative engine(s).[9]

Minimum control speed on the ground - the minimum airspeed at which the aircraft is directionally
Vmcg controllable during acceleration along the runway with one engine inoperative, takeoff power on the
operative engine(s), and with nose wheel steering assumed inoperative.[9][13]

VMO Maximum operating limit speed.[7][8][9]

VMU Minimum unstick speed.[7][8][9]

VNE Never exceed speed.[7][8][9][14]

VNO Maximum structural cruising speed or maximum speed for normal operations.[7][8][9]

2
VR Rotation speed. The speed at which the aircraft's nosewheel leaves the ground.[7][8][9]

VRef Landing reference speed or threshold crossing speed.[7][8][9]

VS Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed for which the aircraft is still controllable.[7][8][9]

VS0 Stall speed or minimum flight speed in landing configuration.[7][8][9]

VS1 Stall speed or min steady flight speed for which the ac is still controllable in a specific config.[7][8]

VSR Reference stall speed.[7]

VSR0 Reference stall speed in landing configuration.[7]

VSR1 Reference stall speed in a specific configuration.[7]

VSW Speed at which the stall warning will occur.[7]

VTOSS Category A rotorcraft takeoff safety speed.[7][14]

VX Speed that will allow for best angle of climb.[7][8]

VY Speed that will allow for the best rate of climb.[7][8]

[edit] Other V-speeds

Some of these V-speeds are specific to particular types of aircraft and are not defined by regulations.

V-speed Description

3
designato
r

Best endurance speed – the speed that gives the greatest airborne time for fuel consumed.
VBE This may be used when there is reason to remain aloft for an extended period, such as waiting
for a forecast improvement in weather on the ground.[11]

Best power-off glide speed – the speed that provides maximum lift-to-drag ratio and thus the
VBG
greatest gliding distance available.[11]

Best range speed – the speed that gives the greatest range for fuel consumed - identical to
VBR
Vmd.[15]

VFS Final segment of a departure with one powerplant failed.[16]

Vimd Minimum drag[17]

Vimp Minimum power[17]

VLLO Maximum landing light operating speed – for aircraft with retractable landing lights.[9]

Vmbe Maximum brake energy speed[18][17]

Vmd Minimum drag- identical to VBR.[15][18]

Minimum control speed in the air in an approach or landing configuration with one engine
Vmcl
inoperative.[9]

Vmin Minimum speed for instrument flight (IFR) for helicopters[14]

Vmp Minimum power[18]

Vp Aquaplaning speed[19]

4
 VPD Maximum speed at which whole-aircraft parachute deployment has been demonstrated[20]

Vra Rough air speed (turbulence penetration speed).[9]

VSL stall speed in a specific configuration[9][18]

Vs1g stall speed at maximum lift coefficient[18]

Vsse Safe single engine speed[21]

Vt Threshold speed[18]

Vtocs Take-off climbout speed (helicopters)[14]

Vtos Minimum speed for a positive rate of climb with one engine inoperative[18]

Vtmax Max threshold speed[22][18]

Vwo Maximum window or canopy open operating speed[23]

Best angle of climb speed with a single operating engine in a light, twin-engine aircraft – the
VXSE speed that provides the most altitude gain per unit of horizontal distance following an engine
failure.[21]

Best rate of climb speed with a single operating engine in a light, twin-engine aircraft – the
VYSE
speed that provides the most altitude gain per unit of time following an engine failure.[12][21]

VZRC Zero rate of climb speed in a twin-engine aircraft[18]