Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Commercial Pilot License Practice Questions and Study Guide

The yellow arc on the airspeed indicator indicates the caution range, which is the area where operating the aircraft should be done with caution and typically limited to smooth air conditions only. In this range, the aircraft can be susceptible to airframe stress and adverse handling characteristics, which is why pilots are advised to operate with care and attentiveness in these speeds.

To ensure safety, pilots need to understand that while flight is technically possible in this range, they should strive to avoid turbulent conditions to maintain the aircraft's integrity and stability. Operations in the yellow arc should be approached with more gradual maneuvers and an awareness of the risks associated with flying at speeds that could approach stall conditions or lead to other adverse effects.

The normal operating range is indicated by the green arc, and stall speed is typically represented at the lower end of this arc, while the never exceed speed is shown at the red radial line on the airspeed indicator. Each of these ranges serves a specific purpose in flight safety and operates within distinct parameters.