Definition
The minimum airspeed at which an airplane's wings produce enough lift to support the aircraft in flight and allow controlled flight away from the ground. Below flying speed, the wings cannot generate sufficient lift for sustained flight, regardless of engine power.
Plain English
The slowest speed at which the wings can actually hold the airplane up in the air. Go slower than this and the airplane will not stay flying.
Context Anchor
Used during takeoff, especially as the airplane accelerates down the runway and becomes ready to lift off.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing flying speed prevents premature rotation that could lead to a stall or settling back onto the runway.
Grounding Statement
On takeoff, flying speed is the point where the airplane stops just rolling on the runway and can actually support itself in the air.
Intuition Check
Flying speed does not mean any speed while the airplane is moving. It means the airplane is fast enough to leave the runway and keep flying under control.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reminded the student not to pull back on the yoke until the airplane had reached flying speed.
Example Sentence 2
If the airplane is rotated before flying speed, it may settle back onto the runway due to insufficient lift.