Originally Posted by
megan
From the relevant flight manuals for Va speeds.
Cessna 207 Basic weight in 2200 pounds region.
3800 pounds 130 KIAS
3050 pounds 117 KIAS
2300 pounds 101 KIAS
Cessna 172N Basic weight 1400 pounds region
2300 pounds 97 KIAS
1950 pounds 89 KIAS
1600 pounds 80 KIAS
I would opine that a 17 knot spread represents a substantial proportion of the 172 speed capability, at 75% power, 2000 PA, standard temp, cruise is 116 KTAS. Ignore Va at your peril.
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Yes! But this describes changing the MASS of the aircraft by loading it differently - and, if I understood the article, this certainly would change the Va of the aircraft. This is not the point of what I had read. I think the point of what I had read is that G-load, such as in level turns or in pull-ups, increases the apparent WEIGHT of the aircraft but not its MASS - and it said Va varies with aircraft MASS not aircraft WEIGHT.
Whatever. The important thing is to fly safely in whatever way the pilot understands that.