What is "approach speed" in the context of flight operations?

Approach speed is defined as the minimum speed required to land safely. This is a critical parameter during the landing phase of flight, as it ensures that the aircraft maintains adequate lift and control during its approach to the runway. Operating below this speed can result in a stall, which is particularly dangerous during the landing phase when the aircraft is in its final approach.

Maintaining the correct approach speed allows the pilot to effectively manage descent rate and provides sufficient control authority over the aircraft. It also takes into account factors such as aircraft weight, configuration (flaps and landing gear extended vs. retracted), and environmental conditions (wind, altitude, etc.). This speed is generally referenced in terms of the aircraft's Vref (reference landing speed) during the final approach.

While other options discuss different aspects of speed during the approach or landing, they do not capture the essential safety requirement that approach speed represents in ensuring a successful landing.