VFE

VFE – Flaps-Extended Maximum Speed

VFE refers to the maximum speed that an aircraft can achieve when its flaps are extended. This speed limit is indicated on the airspeed indicator by the upper limit of the white arc. The VFE is a critical indicator for pilots as it determines the safe speed at which they can operate an airplane when the flaps are in use for taking off or landing.

Flaps are additional surfaces attached to the trailing edge of the wings that increase the lift and therefore reduce the takeoff and landing speeds of an airplane. They are widely used in modern aircraft but must be used carefully to prevent damage to the aircraft. The VFE is a safety precaution established to prevent pilots from exceeding the maximum speed at which the flaps can be extended, which can cause structural damage to the airplane or even result in a crash.

Therefore, pilots must adhere to the prescribed VFE speed limit when flying with flaps extended. The VFE is also a crucial parameter for aircraft designers and engineers when designing new aircraft, as it determines the structural design criteria for the flaps and the airplane’s overall performance.