Aircraft Speed Limits Explained

91.117(d) — If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed. Note: There is no requirement to advise ATC when exceeding a speed for this reason.

1. If a controller issues a speed restriction while vectoring you, it continues to apply with an altitude change.

2. An approach clearance cancels any previously assigned speed adjustment (however, the controller would not anticipate a large speed increase when close to the runway). Pilots are expected to make their own speed adjustments to complete the approach unless the adjustments are restated. Speed adjustments should not be assigned inside the final approach fix on final or a point 5 miles from the runway, whichever is closer to the runway.

3. It is the pilot's responsibility and prerogative to refuse a speed adjustment that he or she considers excessive or contrary to the aircraft's operating limitations with a comfortable margin for safety.

1. Below 10,000 feet msl: 250 kias (or 200 kias below the airspace layers or in a VFR corridor). Speed of 250 knots must not be exceeded, even if you are told to "maintain best forward speed."

2. "Maintain maximum (or best) forward speed" means the maximum or best forward legal speed. ATC does not have the authority to lift the 250 kias below 10,000 feet speed restriction [91.117(a)]. You cannot be cleared to violate a regulation, and you cannot accept such a clearance.

3. At 10,000 feet msl and above in Class B airspace, you can go as fast as you want (below Mach 1, of course) unless issued a speed restriction by ATC.

4. If a controller assigns a speed above 250 knots while at or above 10,000 feet msl and then later issues a decent below 10,000 feet msl, it is understood that you must slow to 250 knots before descending below 10,000 feet.

5. There was a test program that took place at Houston International (IAH) that sought to delete the 250 kias below 10,000 feet restriction for departures only, and only if authorized by ATC. The phraseology was "no speed limit" or "increase speed to (number) knots" or "delete the 250 knot restriction." This program was canceled in January 2004. Currently, a controller does not have the authority to authorize a speed above 250 knots below 10,000 feet for civil aircraft anywhere in the United States.

Note: The 250 kias below 10,000 feet msl speed restriction does not apply to aircraft operating beyond 12 nm from the coastline of the United States. However, one must consider the potentially catastrophic damage from a high-speed bird strike.

1. Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no aircraft may operate faster than 200 kias at or below 2,500 feet agl within 4 nm of the primary airport of Class C or D airspace.

2. "Maintain best forward speed" is not an authorization to exceed the 200-knot restriction in Class C or D airspace.

3. Any speed deviation above 200 knots must be specifically assigned by ATC (e.g., "maintain 220 knots").

4. While operating in the traffic pattern at an airport without an operating control tower, it is recommended that the pilot maintain an airspeed of no more than 200 kias. In any case, the speed should be adjusted, when practicable, so that it is compatible with the speed of other airplanes in the pattern.

Remember: Never let an airplane take you someplace your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier.

NOTE: A maximum holding speed other than standard may be depicted either inside or just outside the charted racetrack symbol.