Definition
The airspeed at which a pilot begins a specific flight maneuver. For a chandelle, it is the airspeed established before the maneuver starts, and must not exceed the airplane's maneuvering speed (V_A).
Plain English
The speed you are flying at the moment you start the maneuver. You set this speed first, then begin.
Context Anchor
Seen in maneuver instructions, such as setting up the airplane before starting a chandelle.
Why Pilots Care
Beginning at the correct entry airspeed gives the pilot the right amount of kinetic energy to trade for altitude through the 180-degree climbing turn without stalling or exceeding load limits.
Intuition Check
Entry does not mean entering the airplane or entering airspace here. It means the starting point of the maneuver; entry airspeed is the speed already set before the maneuver begins.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the chandelle, the pilot reduced power and let the airplane slow to the recommended entry airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
Using the proper entry airspeed prevented an early stall during the climbing turn.