What is the turbulent air penetration speed (Va) for the CRJ 900?

Turbulent air penetration speed, or Va, is a critical speed for maintaining control and structural integrity in turbulent conditions. For the CRJ 900, this speed is specifically set at 250 knots. Flying at or below this speed in turbulent air allows for the aircraft to respond adequately to sudden changes in wind or air pressure without risking structural damage or loss of control.

When flying at this speed, pilots ensure that the aircraft remains within safe aerodynamic limits, minimizing the risk of exceeding the aircraft’s design stress. This is particularly important during turbulence, as the aircraft experiences loads that can be significantly greater than normal, and maintaining Va helps to mitigate those stresses.

Understanding and applying the correct Va helps pilots appropriately manage airspeed in adverse weather, thus ensuring safety during flight.