What use is V(f)?

Lindberg

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Lindberg
If my understanding is correct, and maybe it isn't, V(F), "design flap speed," is what the designers intended V(FE) to be. 1) Is that correct? 2) If so, why would I care? Don't I just need to know the actual V(FE)?
 
VF is the speed the manufacturer used when analyzing aerodynamic load cases with flaps extended and designing structure for same, and VFE is the max speed "allowed" with flaps extended. Ideally they would be the same speed, as VFE cannot be greater than VF (per CFR14 part 23.1511) and if VF is much larger than VFE the airplane is designed for loads it doesn't experience in flight.

ETA: VF is a speed used in design and analysis and VFE is an operating limitation.

Nauga,
flappin'
 
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If my understanding is correct, and maybe it isn't, V(F), "design flap speed," is what the designers intended V(FE) to be. 1) Is that correct? 2) If so, why would I care? Don't I just need to know the actual V(FE)?

Think of the speeds this way, Vf is the speed you will not exceed the design and damage the fully extended flap. Vfe is the speed that provides for less stress fatigue and wear on the flap and flap mechanisms with the flap fully extended. Vlo is the speed where moving the flap does not cause damage.
 
VF is the speed the manufacturer used when analyzing aerodynamic load cases with flaps extended and designing structure for same, and VFE is the max speed "allowed" with flaps extended. Ideally they would be the same speed, as VFE cannot be greater than VF (per CFR14 part 23.1511) and if VF is much larger than VFE the airplane is designed for loads it doesn't experience in flight.

ETA: VF is a speed used in design and analysis and VFE is an operating limitation.

Nauga,
flappin'
So why do I need to know what Vf means for the commercial written? Seems they'd ask about Vfe instead.
 
So why do I need to know what Vf means for the commercial written? Seems they'd ask about Vfe instead.

Cuz it's the gubment...... Just memorize it and move on. You using Sheppard? I just bought the CAX test prep last week.
 
ASA Prepware
I can see the FAA testing to see if you know the difference between a real operating limitation and a design limit, but this seems like a strange way to do it. Do the exam prep companies rely on reported questions or is there a government source for the Vf question? IOW could it be a mistake in the material you have? ISTR the FAA stopped publishing the question bank a long time ago. I'd be curious to know if you see it when you take your written.

Nauga,
and a target of opportunity
 
I'll let you know after I take the test. I've got the book and online (from the same source) and both have had Vf as well as Vfe.
 
I'll let you know after I take the test. I've got the book and online (from the same source) and both have had Vf as well as Vfe.
I am using multiple sources for the Commercial written and they all distinguish between Vf and Vfe.
. . . Do the exam prep companies rely on reported questions or is there a government source for the Vf question? IOW could it be a mistake in the material you have? ISTR the FAA stopped publishing the question bank a long time ago. I'd be curious to know if you see it when you take your written.

Nauga,
and a target of opportunity
@write-stuff - Any insights into how prep software test questions are determined?
 
I can see the FAA testing to see if you know the difference between a real operating limitation and a design limit, but this seems like a strange way to do it. Do the exam prep companies rely on reported questions or is there a government source for the Vf question? IOW could it be a mistake in the material you have? ISTR the FAA stopped publishing the question bank a long time ago. I'd be curious to know if you see it when you take your written.

Nauga,
and a target of opportunity
Many of the questions on the actual test were either very close or exactly what I got from ASA. Unfortunately I didn't get a question on either Vf or Vfe, so I'll never know where that came from.
 
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