What is Vso in aviation terminology?

Vso is defined as the stall speed of an aircraft in a specified configuration, which typically includes the landing configuration with flaps extended. This measurement is crucial for pilots because it indicates the minimum speed at which the aircraft can be flown before stalling while in that configuration. Understanding Vso is particularly important during landings and go-arounds, as it ensures that pilots maintain a safe margin above this speed to avoid stalling.

The stall speed is influenced by the aircraft's weight, configuration, and load factor, and knowing Vso helps pilots to manage their speed appropriately during critical phases of flight.