What is the maneuvering speed (Va) for an aircraft weighing 2,200 pounds?

Maneuvering speed, denoted as Va, is the maximum speed at which an aircraft can be safely maneuvered without risking structural damage during severe turbulence. It is an essential consideration for pilots, as it represents the limit of control inputs the aircraft can withstand while maintaining structural integrity.

Va varies with the weight of the aircraft. Generally, the formula to calculate Va is:

Va = Vso √ (Wing Load/Weight)

Where Vso is the stalling speed in a specified configuration, wing load is the average weight the aircraft experiences on the wing, and weight is the total aircraft weight. As the weight of the aircraft decreases, Va also decreases, meaning the more the aircraft weighs, the higher the maneuvering speed.

For an aircraft weighing 2,200 pounds, the value of 98 KIAS aligns with typical calculations for maneuvering speed. This speed ensures that pilots can perform maneuvers, such as turns and other control inputs, without compromising the aircraft's structural safety.

The other choices represent speeds that either exceed the safe maneuvering limits for that weight or fall below the required performance for safe operations, making them unsuitable for the specific weight in question. Understanding the correct value for Va is crucial for effective and safe flight training