SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-vx-best-angle
Which speed gives the most altitude in the shortest distance, for clearing obstacles?
VX, best angle of climb speed.
- VY, best rate of climb
- VA, maneuvering speed
- VX, best angle of climb ✔
Why: VX gives the steepest climb, the most height over a given distance, so it is used on short-field takeoffs to clear obstacles. VY gives the most height in a given time.
Huh, didn't know that: On light twins, the single-engine best rate of climb speed, VYSE, is marked on the airspeed indicator with a blue line.
I'm friends with 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know Y.
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Sources
- FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 11 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf
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