SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-yellow-arc-caution

What does the yellow arc on an airspeed indicator mean?

Caution range: fly there only in smooth air.

  1. Caution range, fly only in smooth air ✔
  2. Normal operating range
  3. Flap operating range

Why: The yellow arc starts at VNO, the maximum structural cruising speed. Above it, fly only in smooth air and then with caution. The red line at the top is VNE, the never-exceed speed.

Huh, didn't know that: Standard color markings are required on FAA-certificated aircraft of 12,500 pounds or less built after 1945.

The dad joke
Why don't airspeed indicators play hide and seek? They always get caught in the yellow.
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Sources

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesOn an airspeed indicator, what does the bottom of the white arc mark?Flying & DronesA blocked pitot tube affects which instrument?Flying & DronesWhen a pilot switches to the cabin alternate static source, the altimeter usually reads what?

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