What is the maximum airspeed below 10000 feet MSL and what is the maximum speed within 4 nautical miles of a Class D or C airport below 2500 feet AGL?

Even though the sky is a wide-open area, there are still speed limits you have to follow. Learn all about how fast you can fly in this expert guide.

Índice Show

Aircraft Speed Limits Above 10,000 Feet MSL
Speed Limits While Flying in Class B Airspace
Speed Limits While Flying in Class C/ClassD Airspace
Are There Any Aircraft Speed Limit Exceptions?
What Happens if an Aircraft Exceeds the Speed Limit?

If you’ve ever driven a car just about anywhere, then you know all about speed limits. Down here on the ground, it’s common knowledge that you can only drive at a certain speed in certain areas and on certain roads. But what about if you’re flying an airplane? Are there also speed limits that you have to follow while flying?

At an altitude below 10,000 feet MSL, all aircraft have a speed limit of 288 mph (250 knots). Above 10,000 feet MSL, the speed limit goes up to Mach 1, but you are not allowed to break the sound barrier. Class B, C, and D airspaces have a speed limit of 230 mph (200 knots) near the airport.

Did you know there are speed limits for aircraft flying in the United States? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets speed limits for different types of airspace to ensure the safety of all aircraft. In this blog post, we will discuss the different speed limits for aircraft and what happens if they exceed those speeds.

At SkyTough, we pride ourselves on providing our readers with nothing but the best, most accurate content that we can. We’ve been in your shoes so we know what kind of information you’re looking for. A topic like this one isn’t very opinion-based where we can provide much anecdotal evidence, since you really want to know how fast you can fly. So we’ve done the research and will go over all the aircraft speed limits you need to keep in mind.

For most private pilots operating smaller airplanes like a Cessna or Piper, they will likely never exceed altitudes above 10,000 feet MSL, so it's important to know what the speed limit is up to that height. The speed limit for aircraft flying below 10,000 feet MSL is 250 knots (288 mph). This is the standard speed limit in uncontrolled airspace in the United States.

For pilots of aircraft that fly much faster than these speeds at higher altitudes, such as commercial pilots or pilots of any sort of turbine plane, this is important because you'll have to level off at 10,000 feet or above and slow your speed. This way, you can stay within the regulated airspace and below the speed limit.

Aircraft Speed Limits Above 10,000 Feet MSL

The second major general airspace category is above 10,000 feet MSL, where the speed limit is automatically set at Mach One. This is due to the fact that it is generally harder to fly an aircraft above this altitude due to increased traffic (including heavy commercial traffic), so the FAA has put a limit in place.

Mach One is the speed of sound and is equivalent to about 767 miles per hour. This is the speed limit that all aircraft must stay below while flying in controlled airspace in the United States. This was largely put in place because breaking the sound barrier can cause a sonic boom, which is a loud noise that can damage property and disrupt people on the ground.

For just about anyone reading this, including myself as I write it, exceeding the speed limit above 10000 feet MSL is not something we will likely ever do. But it's still important to know for those who may find themselves in that situation.

Speed Limits While Flying in Class B Airspace

The next airspace category is Class B airspace, which generally surrounds many major airports. In general, there actually is not a specific speed limit for all of Class B airspace here in the US. If you're below 10,000 feet MSL, you still have to meet the same 250-knot limit described above. However, if you're flying at or above 10,000 feet MSL in Class B airspace, the speed limit is automatically set at Mach One like it is in general controlled airspace.

The thing to keep in mind about Class B airspace is actually the area under it. No one is allowed to operate an aircraft faster than 200 knots (230 mph) beneath Class B airspace. This is due to the fact that there is a lot of traffic in and out of these airports, so the FAA has put a limit in place to ensure the safety of everyone.

Speed Limits While Flying in Class C/ClassD Airspace

Next are Class C and Class D airspace, which generally surround smaller airports. The speed limit for both of these airspace categories is 200 knots (230 mph). This speed limit is enforced within four nautical miles from the airport that the airspace is surrounding and must be adhered to for any planes flying at 2,500 feet MSL or below.

Are There Any Aircraft Speed Limit Exceptions?

Now, there are a few exceptions to these aircraft speed limits. The first is if an aircraft's minimum safe operating speed is higher than the maximum speed limit. In this case, the aircraft must maintain its minimum safe operating speed. It is generally a good idea to relay this information to Air Traffic Control so they are aware of the situation.

Another exception is if an aircraft is flying in bad weather conditions. Suppose visibility is low or there is turbulence. In that case, the aircraft may need to slow down or speed up in order to maintain a safe flying speed and avoid any severe weather conditions that could put the lives of everyone on board in danger. In these cases, it is again a good idea to relay this information to Air Traffic Control so they are aware of the situation and can provide any necessary assistance.

One last exception (which most of us will likely never have to concern ourselves with) is if an aircraft is flying in formation with another aircraft. In this case, the lead aircraft will determine the speed at the formation flies. All other aircraft in the formation must maintain this speed and stay a specified distance away from the lead aircraft.

What Happens if an Aircraft Exceeds the Speed Limit?

So, what happens if an aircraft exceeds the speed limit?

Well, it really depends on the situation. If an aircraft is flying below the speed limit and needs to speed up in order to maintain a safe flying speed or avoid severe weather conditions, Air Traffic Control may give permission for the aircraft to exceed the speed limit. However, if an aircraft is flying above the speed limit and needs to slow down, Air Traffic Control will instruct the aircraft to do so.

If an aircraft exceeds the speed limit without permission from Air Traffic Control, it can be subject to a warning, loss of pilot certification, or even criminal charges. Of course, it isn't like here on the ground where you're going to get pulled over by a cop and get a citation. Breaking any aviation laws can potentially be a much bigger deal, so it's better to just know the speed limits and adhere to them. If anything happens, always discuss it with ATC and you should be fine!

In conclusion, there are many different speed limits that aircraft must adhere to while flying. These speed limits are in place for a reason, and that is to maintain a safe flying environment for everyone involved. So, the next time you're up in the air, make sure you know what the speed limit is and stick to it! Thanks for reading!

FAR part 91 Sec 91.117 for example states that "unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots". All of the major jurisdictions I can find reference to have the same rule.

I've highlighted MSL (mean sea level). Why is MSL used? What's the point of such a regulation when aircraft would be able to manoeuvre at high speed close to the surface of high elevation fields?

How, if at all, is this varied when operating to or from an airfield with a high elevation, for example Quito, Ecuador (SEQM) at 7,910 feet?

Same as you have speed limits on the road, they exist in the sky
Their purposes is to facilitate the most safe and efficient flow of traffic, especially in the low altitude and terminal structure

Unless otherwise authorized by the administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000' MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 mph)
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500' MSL within 4 NM of the primary airport of class C or D airspace at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph)
No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph)
- However, inside of class B aircraft below 10,000' MSL are authorized to fly in excess of 200 knots but no more than 250 knots
If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum prescribed speed, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed

When ATC combines a speed adjustment with a descent clearance, the sequence of delivery, with the word "then" between, indicates the expected order of execution
- ATC: "Descend and maintain [altitude]; then, reduce speed to [speed]"
- ATC: "Reduce speed to [speed]; then, descend and maintain [altitude]"
Approach clearances supersede any prior speed adjustments, and pilots are expected to make their own speed adjustments, as necessary to complete the approach
Under certain circumstances, however, it may be necessary for ATC to issue further speed adjustments after approach clearance is issued to maintain separation between successive arrivals
- Under such circumstances, previously issued speed adjustments will be restated if that speed is to be maintained or additional speed adjustments are requested
- ATC must obtain pilot concurrence for speed adjustments after approach clearances are issued
- Speed adjustments should not be assigned inside the FAF on final or a point 5 miles from the runway, whichever is closer to the runway
  - "Resume normal speed" does not delete speed restrictions that are contained in a published procedure unless specified
The pilots retain the prerogative of rejecting the application of speed adjustment by ATC if the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the sped adjustment
Pilots are reminded that they are responsible for rejecting the application of speed adjustments by ATC if, in their opinion, it will cause them to exceed the maximum indicated airspeed prescribed by 91.117(a),(c) and (d)
- Inform ATC if unable to comply
Pilots operating at or above 10,000' MSL who are issued speed adjustments which exceed 250 knots IAS and are subsequently cleared below 10,000' MSL are expected to comply with FAR 91.117(a)
Speed restrictions of 250 knots do not apply to U.S. Registered aircraft operating beyond 12 nm from the coastline within the U.S. Flight Information Region, in Class E airspace below 10,000' MSL
- However, in airspace underlying a Class B airspace area, pilots are expected to comply with the 200 knot speed limit in FAR 91.117(c) 200 KIAS (230 MPH)
For operations in a Class C and Class D surface area, ATC is authorized to request or approve a speed greater than the maximum indicated airspeeds prescribed for operation within that airspace in FAR 91.117(b) 200 KIAS (230 MPH)
When communications with ARTCC or approach control facility, pilots should, as a good operating practice, state any ATC assigned speed restriction on initial radio contact associated with an ATC communications frequency change

- Advises ATC any time cruising airspeed varies plus or minus 5% or 10 knots, whichever is greater from that given in the flight plan
- Complies with speed adjustments from ATC unless:
  - The minimum or maximum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater or less than the requested airspeed
    - It is the pilot's responsibility and prerogative to advise ATC of, and refuse, speed adjustments considered excessive or contrary to the aircraft's operating specifications
  - Operating at or above 10,000 feet MSL on an ATC assigned SPEED ADJUSTMENT of more than 250 knots IAS and subsequent clearance is received for descent below 10,000 feet MSL
    - In such cases, pilots are expected to comply with 14 CFR Section 91.117(a)
- When complying with speed adjustment assignments, maintains an indicated airspeed within plus or minus 10 knots or 0.02 Mach number of the specified speed
- Assigns speed adjustments to aircraft when necessary but not as a substitute for good vectoring technique
- Adheres to the restrictions published in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, as to when speed adjustment procedures may be applied
- Avoids alternating increase and decreasing airspeeds
- Assigns speed adjustments to a specified IAS (KNOTS)/Mach number or to increase or decrease speed using increments of 5 knots or multiples thereof
- Terminates ATC-assigned speed adjustments when no longer required by issuing further instructions to pilots in the following manner:
  - Advises pilots to "resume normal speed" when the aircraft is on a heading, random routing, charted procedure, or route without published speed restrictions
  - Instructs pilots to "comply with speed restrictions" when the aircraft is joining or resuming a charted procedure or route with published speed restrictions
    - CAUTION-The phraseology "Climb via SID" requires compliance with all altitude and/or speed restrictions depicted on the procedure
  - Instructs pilots to "resume published speed" when aircraft are cleared via a charted instrument flight procedure that contains published speed restrictions
  - Advises aircraft to "delete speed restrictions" when ATC assigned or published speed restrictions on a charted procedure are no longer required
  - Clears pilots for approach without restating previously issued speed adjustments
- Gives due consideration to aircraft capabilities to reduce speed while descending
- Does not assign speed adjustments to aircraft at or above FL 390 without pilot consent

Depending on the type of airspace in which you operate, speed limits do apply
- No speed restriction inside class bravo airspace when above 10,000 ft
- 250 knots inside of class bravo airspace, when below 10,000 ft
- Descents below 10,000 ft, require speed reduction to 250 knots, regardless of prior assignments
- 200 knots under the airspace or in a corridor
- Speed of 250 knots must not be exceeded, even if you are told to "maintain best forward speed"
- Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500' AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport of a Class C airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph)
- Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500' AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport of a Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph)
- 250 knots below 10,000' MSL within class echo airspace
- While operating in the traffic pattern at an airport without an operating control tower, it is recommended that the pilot maintain an airspeed of no more than 200 KIAS
- 250 knots below 10,000' MSL within class golf airspace

When the approach procedure involves a procedure turn, a maximum speed of not greater than 200 knots (IAS) should be observed from first overheading the course reversal IAF through the procedure turn maneuver to ensure containment within the obstruction clearance area

Commanding officers assigned aircraft capable of supersonic flight shall ensure that aircrews are thoroughly familiar with the shock wave phenomenon peculiar to supersonic flight. Serious damage, annoyance, and mental stress have resulted from sonic booms. It is incumbent on every pilot flying aircraft capable of generating sonic booms to reduce such disturbances and damage to the absolute minimum dictated by operational/training requirements

Policy:
- Supersonic flight operations shall be strictly controlled and supervised by operational commanders. Supersonic flight over land or within 30 miles offshore shall be conducted in specifically designated areas. Such areas must be chosen to ensure minimum possibility of disturbance. As a general policy, sonic booms shall not be intentionally generated below 30,000' of altitude unless over water and more than 30 miles from inhabited land areas or islands. Deviations from the foregoing general policy may be authorized only under one of the following:
  - Tactical missions that require supersonic speeds
  - Phases of formal training syllabus flights requiring supersonic speeds
  - Research, test, and operational suitability test flights requiring supersonic speeds
  - When specifically authorized by CNO for flight demonstration purposes
Reports, Inquiries, and Investigations:
- The Department of the Navy must accept responsibility for restitution and payment of just claims for damage resulting from sonic booms determined to have been caused by naval aircraft
- To assist in determining validity of claims, all supersonic flights conducted over the CONUS or within 50 miles offshore shall be logged as to time, date, location, speed, and altitude of occurrence and retained at the unit level for 24 months
- Section 0910f of reference (r) provides information and instructions concerning investigations into sonic boom complaints and alleged damage claims

The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour)

Controller regulations are published in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, as to when speed adjustment procedures may be applied
Note that when ATC askes for airspeed, its always in reference to indicated airspeed
Under rare instances (such as military fighters), if the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed. Note: There is no requirement to advise ATC when exceeding a speed for this reason
Still looking for something? Continue searching: