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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-green-arc

On an airspeed indicator, what does the green arc show?

The normal operating range of the aircraft.

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  1. The flap operating range
  2. The caution range
  3. The normal operating range ✔

Why: The green arc is the normal operating range. The white arc is for flaps, and the yellow arc is a caution range to be flown only in smooth air.

Huh, didn't know that: The red line marks VNE, the never-exceed speed, and operating above it is prohibited.

The dad joke
Why do pilots like the green arc? It is the only part of the dial that is not asking for trouble.
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References

Answer: The normal operating range. The green arc is the normal operating range. The white arc is for flaps, and the yellow arc is a caution range to be flown only in smooth air.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 8 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/10_phak_ch8.pdf
    normal operating range of the aircraft
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 8 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/10_phak_ch8.pdf
    caution range. Fly within this range only
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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