Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Look in the upper left of the instrument panel. This is typically where airspeed indicators are placed on most aircraft. It should be a simple round dial with a single needle and different colors around the circumference. Typically, there will be a label on the dial that reads "Airspeed in kts," or something similar.
Look at the numbers. Airspeeds are usually displayed in knots, a measure which refers to nautical miles per hour. One nautical mile is equal to approximately 1.15 statute miles.
Look at the colors around the circumference of the dial. These colors represent standardized speed ranges, that are calibrated for the specific aircraft in which the instrument is installed. They serve as a quick visual refference for the pilot.
Look at the inner white band at the lower end of the dial (inside the green band). This is the speed range within which the flaps may be extended. The bottom of the white band is the stall speed with the flaps fully extended. The upper end of the white band indicates the maximum speed at which the aircraft may be flown with the flaps extended.
Be aware that the green band represents the normal operating range for the aircraft, with the flaps retracted. Notice that the green and white bands overlap somwhat. This is intentional, and indicates a range in which the use of flaps is optional. The bottom of the green band represents the stall speed with the flaps fully retracted.
Know that the yellow band represents the high speed caution range. When the speed is in this band, G-loading maneuvers should be avoided, as should rapid control surface movements, as either could cause structural damage to the airframe. This speed range should be avoided unless necessitated by an emergency. At the top of the yellow band is a red line. This represents the maximum recommended operating speed of the aicraft. Speeds above this point should be avoided at all costs.