How Do You Determine Approach Speed For Landing An Airplane?
The indicated airspeed a pilot chooses to use on final approach to land is called the approach speed, also known as Vref. Ideally, this speed is established several miles out, and then maintained for a stabilized descent until crossing the end of the runway. At this time the airplane is then flared and slowed down to near stall speed for the touchdown and landing. General aviation airplanes such as Cessna’s are certificated to Vref airspeeds 30 percent above stall speed in the landing configuration. This speed is known as Vso. With the landing gear down and flaps deployed, Vref is known as 1.3 times Vso. Vref airspeeds are normally based on Maximum Gross Weight (MGW). Calculate the approach speed needed (Vref) for landing after a long flight. Consider the amount of fuel that has been used. Vref will be reduced approximately .8 knots for each 100 pounds under MGW. Look at your weight and balance chart to determine the maximum gross weight of your aircraft. Then calculate the actual weig
