Definition
VREF is the airspeed used as the reference for the final approach to landing, typically defined as 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration (1.3 VS0) at maximum landing weight. It is the target speed crossing the runway threshold in a stabilized approach.
Plain English
VREF is the speed a pilot aims to be flying as the airplane crosses the runway threshold on landing. It is set fast enough to keep a safe margin above the stall, but slow enough to land cleanly.
Context Anchor
You see VREF in landing performance data, approach planning, and cockpit callouts when setting the target speed for the final part of a landing.
Derivation
The 'V' comes from the French vitesse, meaning speed, which is why so many aviation speed designations begin with V. 'REF' is short for reference — the speed all final-approach decisions are referenced against.
Why Pilots Care
Flying at VREF keeps the airplane at a safe margin above stall while preventing excessive speed that lengthens landing distance or increases wear on brakes and tires.
Intuition Check
Reference does not mean a casual suggestion here. VREF is the chosen landing speed baseline, usually published or calculated for the airplane and landing setup.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot adjusted power to hold VREF until just before the flare.
Example Sentence 2
With a 10-knot headwind the approach was flown at VREF minus 5 knots.