VMC
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Visual meteorological conditions |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
| Also written | Vmc |
VMC has two meanings. It stands for Visual meteorological conditions (aviation) or Minimum control speed with the critical engine inoperative (aviation).
Meanings of VMC at a glance
| # | VMC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visual meteorological conditions | Transportation & Travel › Aviation |
| 2 | Minimum control speed with the critical engine inoperative | Transportation & Travel › Aviation |
1. Visual meteorological conditions
Transportation & Travel · Aviation Abbreviations
Weather with visibility and cloud clearances at or above the minimums for flight under visual flight rules. VMC describes the conditions, whereas VFR describes the rules a flight operates under, so an airliner on an IFR flight plan can still be flying in VMC on a clear day.
Example: Despite the overcast at departure, the crew broke out into VMC at 6,000 feet and could see the destination 40 miles ahead.
The distinction matters in regulations and accident reports: an IFR aircraft in VMC must still keep a lookout for other traffic. Not to be confused with Vmc, written with a subscript, the minimum control speed of a twin-engine airplane with one engine inoperative.
2. Minimum control speed with the critical engine inoperative (Vmc)
Transportation & Travel · Aviation Abbreviations
Lowest airspeed at which a twin-engine airplane can still be controlled after one engine fails while the other produces full power, marked by a red radial line on the airspeed indicator. Below it, the operating engine's thrust can roll the airplane over.
Example: Never let the speed decay toward Vmc during single-engine practice, or the twin can roll onto its back.
Written with a subscript (VMC), it shares letters with VMC, visual meteorological conditions; a twin-engine training context versus weather makes the meaning clear. The published value is determined under specific certification conditions, including up to 5 degrees of bank toward the operating engine. Multiengine checkrides include a Vmc demonstration at a safe altitude.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- ULCC – Ultra-low-cost carrier
- UNICOM – Universal communications
- V1 – Takeoff decision speed
- V2 – Takeoff safety speed
- VASI – Visual approach slope indicator
- VFR – Visual flight rules
- Vne – Never-exceed speed
- VOR – VHF omnidirectional range
- VORTAC – VOR combined with TACAN (tactical air navigation)
- VR – Rotation speed
- Vref – Reference landing speed
- VTOL – Vertical takeoff and landing