Vx
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Best angle of climb speed |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
Vx stands for Best angle of climb speed, an aviation abbreviation.
Airspeed giving the greatest altitude gain over a given horizontal distance, used to clear obstacles after a short-field takeoff. For a Cessna 172 it is roughly 60 to 65 knots, depending on model.
Example: Short field with trees at the end: hold Vx until clear of the obstacle, then lower the nose to Vy.
Usage notes
Vx is slower than Vy and closer to a stall, so it is held only as long as needed. Flight instructors summarize: Vx gives the most altitude in the least distance, Vy the most altitude in the least time. Vx increases and Vy decreases with altitude until they meet at the aircraft's absolute ceiling.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- A&P – Airframe and powerplant
- ACARS – Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System
- ACC – Area control centre
- ADF – Automatic direction finder
- ADIZ – Air defense identification zone
- ADS-B – Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
- AGL – Above ground level
- AIM – Aeronautical Information Manual
- AIRMET – Airmen's Meteorological Information
- AME – Aircraft maintenance engineer
- AOG – Aircraft on ground
- AP – Autopilot