FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

What symbol represents the stalling speed of an aircraft?

1. VS

2. VNE

3. VY

4. VLO

The correct answer is: VS

The symbol that represents the stalling speed of an aircraft is denoted by "VS." Stalling speed is a critical airspeed that defines the minimum speed at which an aircraft can fly without stalling, meaning it can no longer maintain level flight due to insufficient lift. This speed varies depending on various factors, including the weight of the aircraft and its configuration (such as flap settings). Understanding stalling speed is essential for pilots because it directly impacts safe maneuvering and operational limits during flight. Knowing the VS helps pilots avoid situations where they might inadvertently allow the aircraft to drop below this speed, which can lead to a stall, a potentially hazardous condition. The other symbols represent different speeds relevant to aircraft performance. For instance, "VNE" stands for Never Exceed speed, which is the maximum speed an aircraft should never exceed to ensure structural integrity. "VY" refers to the best rate of climb speed, allowing an aircraft to gain altitude in the shortest time possible. "VLO" indicates the maximum landing gear operating speed, relating to safe gear extension and retraction. Understanding these various speeds is crucial for safe flight operation, but for this particular question, VS is specifically focused on stalling speed.