Which speed is used to limit gust loads during abrupt maneuvers and turbulence?

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Multiple Choice

Which speed is used to limit gust loads during abrupt maneuvers and turbulence?

Maneuvering speed, Va, is the speed at which an abrupt control input or a gust will produce a load factor equal to the airframe’s limit load. At or below Va, full deflection of the controls in a gust or sudden maneuver won’t overstress the structure because the loads stay within design limits. Va changes with weight and configuration, increasing as the airplane is heavier. In turbulence, staying at or below Va keeps gust-induced loads from exceeding the airframe’s structural limit, which is why this speed is used to limit gust loads during abrupt maneuvers and turbulence. The other speeds relate to stall (Vs), the red-line/usual maximum structural speed (Vne), or approach speed (Vref) and do not describe gust-load limiting.

Maneuvering speed, Va, is the speed at which an abrupt control input or a gust will produce a load factor equal to the airframe’s limit load. At or below Va, full deflection of the controls in a gust or sudden maneuver won’t overstress the structure because the loads stay within design limits. Va changes with weight and configuration, increasing as the airplane is heavier. In turbulence, staying at or below Va keeps gust-induced loads from exceeding the airframe’s structural limit, which is why this speed is used to limit gust loads during abrupt maneuvers and turbulence. The other speeds relate to stall (Vs), the red-line/usual maximum structural speed (Vne), or approach speed (Vref) and do not describe gust-load limiting.

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