Plain English Meaning

Colored bands and lines painted on the airspeed dial that show, at a glance, which speeds are safe, which require caution, and which must never be exceeded.

Full Definition

A standardized system of colored arcs and lines marked on the face of an airspeed indicator that visually identifies the aircraft's operating speed ranges and limits. The standard markings include a white arc (flap operating range), green arc (normal operating range), yellow arc (caution range, smooth air only), and a red radial line (never-exceed speed, VNE). A is added on to indicate ().