What is the turbulence penetration speed for aircraft?

The turbulence penetration speed is a specific airspeed recommended for aircraft to minimize the effects of turbulence during flight. This speed ensures that the aircraft can handle gusts and sudden changes in airflow without causing structural stress or exceeding operational limits.

Option B indicates a turbulence penetration speed of 200 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed) or 0.58 Mach. This range is widely accepted among various aircraft operators and manufacturers as a safe speed to maintain control and stability while flying through turbulent air. The specified speed helps pilots achieve a balance between safety and efficiency by allowing the aircraft to respond adequately to turbulence while ensuring passenger comfort.

Maintaining this speed is critical during turbulent conditions, as flying significantly faster can lead to increased loads on the airframe and the risk of structural damage, whereas flying too slowly could risk loss of control. The use of both indicated airspeed and Mach number accounts for different altitude effects and ensures consistent performance across varying flight environments.