What is the definition of Va?

The definition of Va is maneuvering speed. This speed is particularly important for pilots because it represents the maximum speed at which you can safely make abrupt control movements without risking structural damage to the aircraft. If the aircraft exceeds this speed and a sudden maneuver or turbulence occurs, it could place excessive loads on the airframe, potentially leading to failure.

Maneuvering speed is calculated based on the aircraft's weight; therefore, it decreases as the aircraft's weight decreases. When operating at or below this speed, you can ensure that if full deflection of the flight controls is applied, the aircraft will stall before reaching a load factor that could cause structural damage. Understanding and adhering to Va helps pilots maintain safety margins during flight, especially in turbulent conditions or during maneuvers that require rapid control inputs.