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Airspeed

If the aircraft cannot maintain the assigned airspeed, the pilot must advise ATC.

Controllers may ask pilots to maintain the same speed as the aircraft ahead of or behind them on the approach.

Pilots are expected to maintain the specified airspeed ±10 knots.

It is the pilot’s responsibility to advise ATC if an assigned speed adjustment would cause an exceedence of these limits.

It is normal for faster aircraft to

  • level off at 10,000 feet MSL while slowing to the 250 KIAS limit that applies below that altitude
  • level off at 2,500 feet above airport elevation to slow to the 200 KIAS limit that applies within the surface limits of Class C or D airspace.

Controllers anticipate this action and plan accordingly.