Jet Speed Limits

Question 1

What is the fastest an aircraft can go while flying in the United States above 10,000ft MSL?

Answer 1

Mach 1

Question 2

Below 10,000 MSL speed limit?

Answer 2

250 KIAS

Question 3

Class B Speed Limit?

Answer 3

250 KIAS below 10k, above 10k unrestricted up to MACH 1

Beneath Class B or in VFR Corrider through Class B: 200 KIAS

Question 4

Procedure turn speed limit?

Answer 4

200 KIAS

Question 5

Class C or D (at or below 2500 AGL within 4 nm of the airport) Speed Limit?

Answer 5

200 unless a higher speed is specifically approved by ATC

Question 6

Speed limit for a Class E or G Airport Traffic Pattern?

Answer 6

200 KIAS (recommended)

Question 7

Speed Limit for the Washington DC SFRA and FRZ (VFR)?

Answer 7

230 KIAS (outside the SFRA but within 69 nm of DCA VOR)
180 KIAS (inside the SFRA)

Question 8

91.117(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, can the aircraft be operated at that speed?

Answer 8

Yes, and there is no requirement to advise ATC when exceeding a speed for this reason

Question 9

If a controller issues a speed restriction while vectoring you and also issues an altitude change are you required to stick to that speed restriction?

Answer 9

Yes, unless you are cleared for the approach, that will automatically cancel any previously assigned speed adjustment

Question 10

When shouldn’t speed assignments be issued to pilots?

Answer 10

Inside the final approach fix or a point 5 miles from the runway, whichever is closer to the runway.