How does weight influence Vref and Vapp?

• A. Heavier weight decreases both Vref and Vapp.
• B. Heavier weight generally increases both Vref and Vapp.
• C. Weight has no effect on Vref or Vapp.
• D. Weight increases Vref but decreases Vapp.

Answer: (B)

Weight increases the lift needed to hold the airplane in the same flight condition, so stall speed goes up when the airplane is heavier. Vref is the target speed used on the approach with a safety margin above stall, so as stall speed rises with weight, Vref rises too. Vapp is the approach speed usually set as Vref plus a fixed margin to stay stable and safe in gusty or imperfect conditions; since Vref has increased, Vapp does as well. Therefore, heavier weight generally raises both Vref and Vapp.