Maneuvering Speed

Maneuvering Speed (Va) is the maximum speed at which a pilot can make full, abrupt control inputs without exceeding the aircraft's structural load limits. Above Va, aggressive control deflections could cause structural failure.

• At or below Va, the aircraft will stall before exceeding the limit load factor
• Va decreases as aircraft weight decreases (lighter aircraft reach load limits sooner)
• Not a fixed value — it changes with weight and must be recalculated
• Turbulence penetration speed is usually at or near Va
• In severe turbulence, fly at or below Va to prevent structural overstress
• Va is not marked on the airspeed indicator but is published in the POH/AFM