Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

What does the Vno speed indicate?

1. The speed for turbulent air penetration

2. The speed at which normal operations can be conducted

3. The maximum speed for flap extension

4. The speed not to be exceeded in turbulent air

The correct answer is: The speed not to be exceeded in turbulent air

Vno, or the maximum structural cruising speed, represents the upper limit of the green arc on the airspeed indicator. It is a critical speed for normal operations, as it indicates the maximum velocity at which the aircraft should be flown during typical operations. However, it becomes particularly significant in terms of handling turbulence. Exceeding Vno in turbulent air can significantly increase the risk of structural stress on the aircraft, as flying too fast in such conditions could subject the airframe to excessive forces. Therefore, Vno serves as an important threshold that a pilot should not exceed while flying in turbulent conditions to maintain safety and preserve aircraft integrity. Contextually, while the other choices provide aspects of airspeed considerations—normal operation speeds, flap extension speeds, or turbulence penetration speeds—Vno specifically indicates the maximum speed for safe operations in turbulent conditions, focusing on the need for caution when flying in environments where airflow is unstable. Thus, understanding Vno is essential for safe flying practices.