S and F speeds are minimum safe flap/slat retraction speeds. On approach, they are managed target speeds, but they are not a manoeuvring speed and they are not the minimum operating speed for the current configuration. To restrict pilots from operating at speeds below these values on approach is to display one's ignorance of the aircraft's capabilities.
Originally Posted by
Field In Sight
For normal approaches.
Config 1 = Slats 1 only. Target speed is S
Config 2 = Full slats, Flap = 2. Target speed is F. (This is a big change and the acft balloons).
Config 3 = Flap = 3. Target speed is still F
Config Full = Flap = Full. Target speed reduces to Vapp.
A slight correction to the above is required, according to FCOM 1.27.50 pg 5
Config 1 = Slats 1 (18 degrees) only. Target speed is S
Config 2 =
Slats 2 (22 degrees), Flap = 2. Target speed is F. (This is a big change and the acft balloons).
Config 3 =
Slats 2 Flap = 3. Target speed is still F
Config Full =
Slats Full (27 degrees) Flap = Full. Target speed reduces to Vapp