Definition
VFE is the maximum airspeed at which the wing flaps may be extended. Flying faster than VFE with flaps deployed risks structural damage to the flaps, their tracks, and their supporting structure. VFE is marked as the upper limit of the white arc on the airspeed indicator.
Plain English
The fastest you are allowed to fly with the flaps down. Slow below this speed before lowering the flaps, and once the flaps are out, do not let the airplane go faster than this number.
Context Anchor
Seen in the airplane’s operating handbook, on airspeed markings, and during approach and landing when deciding when it is safe to lower flaps.
Derivation
From aviation V-speed notation: 'V' for velocity, with subscript 'FE' standing for 'Flaps Extended.' The V-speed system uses short letter codes after the V to label specific certified airspeed limits.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding VFE can damage the flaps or cause structural failure.
Intuition Check
VFE is not a target approach speed. It is a do-not-exceed limit when the flaps are extended.
Example Sentence 1
On downwind, the pilot slowed the airplane below VFE before selecting the first notch of flaps.
Example Sentence 2
The white arc on the airspeed indicator shows the range up to VFE.