Which speed is commonly used as the reference speed during approach?

Which speed is commonly used as the reference speed during approach?

• A. Vy
• B. Vref
• C. Vx
• D. IAS

Answer: (B)

The speed used as the reference during approach is Vref, the reference landing speed. Vref is tied to the stall speed in the landing configuration and is calculated as about 1.3 times that stall speed, with adjustments for weight and flap setting. This provides a safe margin to avoid a stall while keeping the approach speed practical for good control and energy management. It’s the speed you aim to fly on final approach to stay in a stabilized, controllable regime. Vy and Vx are climb speeds and aren’t used for approach. IAS is just the instrument reading of airspeed; it isn’t a specific recommended approach speed. Vref, by contrast, is the designed reference for approach and landing.

The speed used as the reference during approach is Vref, the reference landing speed. Vref is tied to the stall speed in the landing configuration and is calculated as about 1.3 times that stall speed, with adjustments for weight and flap setting. This provides a safe margin to avoid a stall while keeping the approach speed practical for good control and energy management. It’s the speed you aim to fly on final approach to stay in a stabilized, controllable regime.

Vy and Vx are climb speeds and aren’t used for approach. IAS is just the instrument reading of airspeed; it isn’t a specific recommended approach speed. Vref, by contrast, is the designed reference for approach and landing.