FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the maximum speed authorized when flying in a VFR corridor designated through Class B airspace?

1. 180 knots

2. 250 knots

3. 200 knots

4. 160 knots

The correct answer is: 200 knots

The maximum speed authorized when flying in a VFR corridor designated through Class B airspace is indeed 200 knots. This is established to maintain a balance between allowing VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations while ensuring safety and separation from heavier, often faster, air traffic typical in Class B airspace. Class B airspace is designed to protect busy terminal areas and typically has more air traffic and complex operations. The 200 knots limit helps to prevent excessive speed that can lead to difficulties in visual separation and increase the risk of wake turbulence encounters with larger aircraft. To provide a clearer context, while Class B airspace usually limits VFR traffic to a speed of 250 knots, the specific exemption for the designated VFR corridors accommodates the operational flow and safety needs of both VFR and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic. Therefore, in these corridors, the limit is relaxed to 200 knots, allowing pilots to operate safely while still being mindful of the congested environment they are traversing through.