What does Vno signify in aviation?

Vno signifies the maximum cruising speed for a particular aircraft under normal operating conditions. It is the maximum speed at which the aircraft can be safely flown in turbulent air. Operating above this speed can lead to a risk of structural damage due to turbulence, which is why it’s a critical reference speed for pilots.

In flight training, understanding Vno is essential as it helps pilots maintain a safe margin between normal flight operations and potential structural limitations. This speed is found on the aircraft's airspeed indicator and is marked with a green arc that typically includes a yellow arc above it, indicating caution.

Knowing Vno assists pilots in making informed decisions about when to accelerate or decelerate, especially when navigating through or around turbulent weather conditions, ensuring safety and compliance with operating limits during flight.