📘14 CFR §91.117 – Aircraft Speed

🚩 Overview

To maintain safety and minimize collision risks, the FAA restricts aircraft speeds in certain airspace areas. Pilots must understand and comply with these maximum speed limits.

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✅ Aircraft Speed Limits

🚀 1. Below 10,000 Feet MSL

• 250 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) maximum, unless authorized by ATC.

🛩 2. Within Class B Airspace

• 250 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) maximum when operating inside Class B airspace.

✈️ 3. Underneath or Near Class B Airspace

• 200 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) maximum when operating:

  • Under the lateral boundaries of Class B airspace.

  • In a VFR corridor through Class B airspace.

🛬 4. Within Class C or D Airspace (at or below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport)

• 200 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) maximum, unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC.

📡 5. Exceptions

• If the minimum safe airspeed for your aircraft exceeds these limits, you may operate at the lowest safe airspeed, provided you inform ATC.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You're approaching a Class D airport at 2,000 feet AGL and within 4 nautical miles of the airport. You must reduce your airspeed to 200 knots or less, unless ATC specifically authorizes a higher speed. Being proactive with your speed adjustments ensures compliance and safety.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Early Planning: Teach students to plan descent profiles carefully, ensuring airspeed reductions occur smoothly and safely as they approach controlled airspaces.

• Situational Awareness: Emphasize awareness of airspace boundaries and altitude restrictions to proactively manage airspeed and maintain compliance.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.117 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/section-91.117

• FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak

• FAA Airplane Flying Handbook: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook