What airspeed should you maintain during a balked landing?

During a balked landing maneuver, the aircraft should be controlled using a specific airspeed that allows for effective climb and safe handling. For the Cessna 152, maintaining a speed of 55 KIAS is recommended during a balked landing. This airspeed is optimal for ensuring that the aircraft has enough lift while remaining within safe operating margins.

At this airspeed, you achieve a good balance between performance and control. It provides sufficient climb capability to clear obstacles while allowing the pilot to maintain positive control of the aircraft. Ensuring that you operate at an appropriate speed during such critical phases of flight is crucial for safety.

While other airspeeds may seem reasonable, they do not provide the same performance benefits when it comes to a balked landing scenario. A higher speed might lead to increased landing distance or difficulty in trimming the aircraft properly, while a lower speed could jeopardize lift and lead to a stall situation. Therefore, 55 KIAS is the targeted airspeed that supports effective maneuverability and safety in a balked landing.