Normal Operating Speed, often referred to as Vno, is defined as the maximum structural cruising speed. This speed should generally only be exceeded in rare situations and when flying in smooth air. Pilots might choose to fly at Vno during a rapid descent or in urgent scenarios, such as an onboard medical emergency, where reaching the destination quickly becomes essential. However, it’s important to note that flying at Vno usually results in higher fuel consumption per nautical mile compared to normal high-speed cruise operations. Additionally, flying at this speed can become risky if unexpected turbulence occurs.
