Which of the following statements about VLO and VLE is accurate?

• A. VLO and VLE both have a maximum of 250 KIAS
• B. VLO is 250 KIAS and VLE is 260 KIAS
• C. VLO is 270 KIAS and VLE is 250 KIAS
• D. VLO is 240 KIAS and VLE is 250 KIAS

Answer: (A)

The main idea is understanding speed limits for gear operations. VLO is the maximum speed at which you can operate the landing gear—extend or retract—without risking gear damage. VLE is the maximum speed with the gear already extended, including the doors and associated components, when the gear is down. Both limits exist to protect the gear mechanism, doors, and tires from excessive air loads and to ensure reliable operation during deployment or stowage.

In many aircraft, the safe operating speeds for both scenarios are set at the same value, 250 KIAS. That means you must stay under 250 knots when extending or retracting the gear, and also when flying with the gear down. This alignment of limits helps avoid stressing the gear system in either configuration.

So, stating that both VLO and VLE have a maximum of 250 KIAS is the correct understanding. The other options assign different numbers or mix limits in a way that isn’t consistent with how these speeds are typically restricted.