What is the minimum altitude for speedbrake extension?

What is the minimum altitude for speedbrake extension?

• A. 250'
• B. 1,000'
• C. 750'
• D. 500'

Answer: (D)

Extending the speedbrakes changes the airplane’s drag and lift balance, so you want to limit when you do it to keep a safe margin for handling and possible go-arounds. The aircraft’s procedures specify a minimum of 500 feet AGL for speedbrake extension. That gives you enough room to confirm energy state, airspeed, and configuration, decelerate as needed, and still have time to react if a go-around or reconfiguration becomes necessary. Lower than that reduces your chance to recover safely, while higher values would unnecessarily restrict deceleration margins. So 500 feet is the correct minimum.

Extending the speedbrakes changes the airplane’s drag and lift balance, so you want to limit when you do it to keep a safe margin for handling and possible go-arounds. The aircraft’s procedures specify a minimum of 500 feet AGL for speedbrake extension. That gives you enough room to confirm energy state, airspeed, and configuration, decelerate as needed, and still have time to react if a go-around or reconfiguration becomes necessary. Lower than that reduces your chance to recover safely, while higher values would unnecessarily restrict deceleration margins. So 500 feet is the correct minimum.