Va and turbulent air penetration speed.

(Doug) wrote in message . com...
Kershner's "The Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual" has the following
definition for Va.

Va - The maneuvering speed. This is the maxiumum speed at a particular
weight at which the controls may be fully deflected without
overstressing the airplane.

Note that this definition DOES NOT say that the airplane will stall
before it breaks due to turbulence.

Now, Va is commonly taught as turbulent air penetration speed. But
nowhere in the definition does it say that Va will protect the
airframe from damage due to turbulence.

Doesn't have to. Pulling full up elevator loads the wings the
same as a strong vertical gust; both increase AOA and the airplane and
occupants both feel increased G loading. At or below Va the airplane
will stall and thereby unload the structure somewhat if the AOA
reaches stall angle, and the load factor won't exceed the designed
structural limits.
Va is lower at lower weights because the airplane is going to
tend to change direction more easily in a gust or sharp pull-up, and
the directional change keeps AOA below stall angle and maintains the
high wing loading. Lowering Va will allow it to stall sooner.
Everybody fears wing failure, but many airplanes will suffer tail
failure first. Bonanzas and 210s are famous for such accidents, with a
VFR pilot entering IMC and losing control. He pops out of the overcast
at 400 feet in a screaming spiral dive, and promptly pulls up hard.
The stabilizer fails downward, then the airplane pitches forward onto
its back and the wings fail downward (negative Gs).

Dana