What is the stall speed (Vso) with flaps down, power idle, at maximum weight?

The stall speed (Vso) for the King Air 350 with flaps extended, power at idle, and at maximum weight is indeed 81 KIAS. This value is critically important for pilots, as it represents the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight in this configuration.

Understanding stall speeds is essential for safe operations, especially during approaches and landings. Vso is determined by the aircraft’s characteristics and is influenced by several factors including weight, center of gravity, and flaps configuration. At maximum weight, the stall speed will typically be higher than it would be at lighter weights due to the increased aerodynamic load.

Having the correct stall speed allows pilots to maintain an adequate margin above this speed during flight operations, reducing the risk of unintentional stalls, particularly in critical phases of flight. Knowing these parameters helps in making informed decisions about performance during various flight scenarios.