Mmo is not purely for jets. Modern fast turboprops ( say the Dornier 328 ) will climb to 31,000' where permitted. Its limits from memory are 270 KIAS or Mach 0.56.
The Embraer 135/145 series limits are quoted as:
Mmo/Vmo M0.78 OR 320 knots from 37,000 feet to 10,000 feet, reducing in a straight line to 250 knots between 10,000 feet and 8,000 feet.
Below 8,000 feet it's a windshield limit. (In the U.K. it's normally an airspace limit of 250 knots below 10,000ft. anyway.)
The Manual states: Vmo/Mmo may not be deliberately exceeded in any regime of flight (climb, cruise or descent).
The Embraer will exceed its published limits straight and level. Below about 25,000 feet, 320 KIAS will be reached first. Above that level, it will be M0.78 reached first. Review your tech books for an explanation.
A Company will issue its Pilots with procedures regarding the reporting of overspeeds in consultation with the Manufacturer. It is likely that an overspeed will ground the aircraft until inspected. Information is held by Engineering regarding checks to be made on the aircraft. The aircraft is not likely to sustain any damage with short overspeeds- that's why the limits are set where they are.
Last edited by fleecy; 18th Jul 2007 at 15:54.