gg - i dont fly a 210, but assume its similar performance to what i do fly. assume then that Vlo is quite a bit less than cruise speed - which as you note would be exceeded in a down draft. question, do they teach you to get the gear out regardless of speed on the basis that its safer to damage the gear system than continue to get too much speed? a serious question and i dont really know what damage is done when getting the gear out above Vlo - even though i passed the cpl exam!