Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does Vso indicate in aviation terms?

1. Stalling speed in the landing configuration

2. Takeoff safety speed

3. Maximum speed during takeoff

4. Rotation speed for takeoff

The correct answer is: Stalling speed in the landing configuration

Vso represents the stalling speed in the landing configuration of an aircraft. This speed is crucial for pilots to understand because it indicates the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight while in the landing configuration, typically with flaps extended and landing gear down. Flying below this speed could result in a stall, which can have serious consequences during crucial phases of flight such as approach and landing. Understanding Vso aids pilots in establishing safe approach and landing profiles, ensuring that they maintain a margin above this speed to avoid stalling. It is particularly significant during training and flight maneuvers, where controlling the aircraft's energy state is essential for successful landings. In this context, Vso serves as a key reference point in a pilot's performance calculations and decision-making processes during landing.