How do you calculate the vRef speed for a landing?

The vRef speed, or reference speed for landing, is a critical parameter for ensuring a safe landing approach. It is typically calculated as 1.3 times the stall speed (Vs), which is the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight. This value provides a safety margin above the stall speed, accounting for potential variations in weight, configuration, and environmental conditions during the landing phase.

By using 1.3 times the stall speed, pilots ensure that they have adequate control of the aircraft during landing, or in other words, that they are well above the stall speed when nearing the ground. The additional margin allows for fluctuations in dynamics that may occur in the landing environment, enhancing overall safety. This approach ensures that pilots can manage the aircraft more effectively as they approach and touch down on the runway.

Other values, such as 1.0 times the stall speed, would not provide this necessary safety margin, while higher multiples might unnecessarily increase landing speed, which could lead to longer landing distances or increased landing roll. Hence, calculating vRef at 1.3 times stall speed aligns with recognized aviation safety practices.