What margin above the stall speed is provided by the landing reference speed VREF?

Landing reference speed, commonly denoted as VREF, is a crucial parameter in aviation, specifically for landings. It is defined as the speed at which the aircraft is ideally positioned to intercept the glide slope during the landing approach, ensuring safe operation while providing a buffer above the stall speed.

For VREF, the standard margin above the stall speed (Vs0, which is the stall speed in the landing configuration) is set at 1.3 times Vs0. This value is designed to ensure that there is a sufficient safety margin to prevent the aircraft from approaching stall conditions during landing. The use of a margin of 1.3 times the stall speed provides pilots with the necessary buffer needed to manage any unexpected fluctuations in speed due to environmental factors or aircraft handling characteristics.

By having VREF set at this level above stall speed, the aircraft can maintain a safe and controlled descent, allowing for the effective management of lift and load factors during landing. This is particularly important in maintaining aircraft control close to the ground, where responding to changes in airspeed and configuration is vital for a safe landing.

The other options referenced figures that do not adhere to the industry standards for determining VREF. Understanding the significance of using 1.3 Vs0 helps reinforce