Definition
VREF is the reference landing speed used on final approach, defined as 1.3 times the stall speed (VSO) in the landing configuration — that is, with flaps fully extended and landing gear down. It represents the target airspeed for crossing the runway threshold under normal conditions, providing a safe margin above the stall while keeping the airplane slow enough for a controlled touchdown.
Plain English
The speed you aim to fly on final approach when landing. It's set at 1.3 times the speed at which the airplane would stall in landing configuration, so it's slow enough to land but with enough buffer above stall to stay safe.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing speed discussions, airplane flight manuals, landing performance charts, and approach briefings.
Derivation
The 'V' comes from the French vitesse, meaning 'speed,' which is why most airplane speed designations begin with V. 'REF' is short for 'reference' — the reference point you fly the approach to.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the correct speed margin above stall to handle wind gusts and maintain aircraft control during landing.
Intuition Check
VREF is not just any comfortable approach speed, and it is not always the touchdown speed. It is a calculated reference speed for the airplane’s landing setup and conditions.
Example Sentence 1
On short final, the pilot crossed the threshold right at VREF and touched down smoothly in the first third of the runway.
Example Sentence 2
After adjusting for weight, the calculated VREF for this landing was 62 knots.