Originally Posted by IO540
The idea behind Va isn't so much to do with max elevator deflection as with the capability to withstand vertical (upward moving) gusts.
I think you may be confusing your manoeuver envelope with your gust envelope. Va is defined by reference to the limit manoeuvring load factor (CS23.335).
Design speeds
Vb ,Vc and Vd are associated with gusts (
Vb not usually applicable to light aircraft)