Airspeed indicator markings explained
Every arc and line on the airspeed indicator, and the speeds they mark.
The colored arcs and lines on an airspeed indicator show the important speeds for your airplane at a glance. The numbers are different for every airplane (check your POH), but the meaning of each color is the same.
Airspeed indicator colors
| Marking | What it means |
|---|---|
| White arc | Flap operating range |
| Bottom of the white arc: VSO | Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration |
| Top of the white arc: VFE | Maximum flap extended speed |
| Green arc | Normal operating range |
| Bottom of the green arc: VS1 | Stall speed in a specified configuration (normally clean: flaps and gear up) |
| Top of the green arc: VNO | Maximum structural cruising speed |
| Yellow arc | Caution range: fly here only in smooth air |
| Red line: VNE | Never-exceed speed. Above it, structural damage is possible |
Source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Flight Instruments chapter.
Speeds that are not marked
Some important speeds have no color: maneuvering speed (VA), best angle of climb (VX) and best rate of climb (VY). Find them in your POH and on your checklist. Twin-engine airplanes add a red radial line for VMC and a blue radial line for VYSE.
Indicated airspeed
The markings are in indicated airspeed, which is why the stall speeds stay the same on the dial even at high-altitude airports where your true airspeed is faster. See how airspeed and angle of attack relate in the angle of attack lab.
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Questions on instruments and V-speeds
Open →Common questions
What does the yellow arc on an airspeed indicator mean?
It is the caution range, from Vno to Vne. Fly in it only in smooth air.
What is the bottom of the white arc?
Vso: the stall speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration.
Is maneuvering speed marked on the airspeed indicator?
No. Maneuvering speed (Va) is not marked. Find it in your POH; it changes with weight.
Sources, review & change history
- Published
- Oct 26, 2026
- Review status
- Written from the FAA sources linked in the text. Not yet re-checked line by line or reviewed by a flight instructor.
- Changes
- Oct 26, 2026: first published.
Study aid only. Your instructor, current 14 CFR and the FAA's handbooks and ACS have the final word.