What does VA represent in terms of aircraft performance?

In aviation, VA represents manoeuvring speed. This is a crucial performance parameter, particularly in the context of aircraft operation and safety. The manoeuvring speed is defined as the maximum speed at which a pilot can safely make full deflections of the flight controls without risking structural damage to the aircraft. It is an important speed to know, especially during turbulent conditions, as it allows pilots to maneuver the aircraft effectively while minimizing the risk of overstressing the airframe.

At speeds below manoeuvring speed, the aircraft can be controlled without causing damage even in turbulent air. If the aircraft is flown above this speed, full control inputs can result in excessive load factors on the wings or tail, potentially leading to structural failure. Thus, understanding and respecting VA is essential for safe flight operations, especially during aggressive maneuvers or in turbulent conditions.