I wasn't aware this was a discusion that only concerned smaller aircraft. I am a regular FLYING reader so my picture of GA and private flying is more of an american one: a Citation parked next to a stearman.
M14P
Thanks for pointing out other factors used in determining Vref that i wasn't aware of, I'm still learning
I agree that most club aircraft exhibit docile low speed handling traits. But popular trainers such as the 152 and the Traumahawk can bite if care is not taken especially in a landing configuration. While a proficeint pilot may be able to keep the airspeed within the required tolerances, your average "weekend warrior" may struggle to keep within +/- 5kts. Also, and i stand to be corrected on this one, I doubt if there are any aircraft that are more controllable below than above Vref. Workload is highest during landing, so a Keeping-it-Simple approach will be to fly at or slightly above Vref.
This debate is a similar to the speeding debate, alot of people think it safe to drive at 80mph on the motorway. maybe the CAA should fit speed cameras near the threshold and charge people for coming in too slow
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TonyR,
400m, piece of cake
Capt. M