REFLECTOR: Vne Revisited

[LAURA WALKER]

I always get a kick when I read about those questioning Velocity's 200kt indicated Vne. For the uninitiated, Vne is ALWAYS based on true airspeed, not indicated airspeed. Velocity themselves grudgingly admit that the 200kt indicated rule is just a conservative figure to try and keep people from hurting themselves. Their own TurboCharlie demonstrator, when advertised at 256kts true is actually exceeding their own recommendation by 56kts!!. When asked about this, their answer is "well, we never actually go over 200kts indicated".  Enough said...for those who have the need for speed, and with careful attention to rudder fitment and elevator balancing, the actual Vne (true airspeed) of the XL airframe is probably closer to 280 kts.

Bill Walker