What is the relationship between landing reference speed (Vref) and an aircraft’s weight?

The landing reference speed (Vref) is fundamentally linked to the aircraft's weight. As an aircraft approaches for landing, Vref serves as a critical indicator of the stall speed of the aircraft, adjusted for the current weight. When an aircraft's weight increases, the stall speed also increases because the aircraft requires a higher speed to generate enough lift to counteract the increased gravitational force.

Thus, Vref is directly proportional to the weight of the aircraft. This means that as the weight increases, the Vref increases as well to ensure safe handling characteristics during landing. Pilots use Vref to set their approach speeds, and understanding this relationship is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring successful landings.