FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

Which is the correct symbol for stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in a specified configuration?

1. VS

2. VA

3. VS1

4. VNE

The correct answer is: VS1

The correct symbol for stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in a specified configuration is denoted as VS1. This symbol represents the stall speed of the aircraft in a specified configuration, typically indicated when the aircraft is in a clean configuration or when flaps are set to a certain position. Stalling speed is critical for pilots to understand because it defines the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain level flight without entering a stall, which is a loss of lift. Understanding VS1 is crucial for flight safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases when the aircraft is often close to this stall speed. It ensures pilots have the necessary awareness of their aircraft's performance capabilities under specified conditions. While VA refers to the design maneuvering speed and is important for understanding stress limits on the aircraft, and VNE is the never exceed speed, these do not pertain to the defined condition of stalling speed as described in the question.