What does Vne stand for in aviation terms?

Vne stands for "Never Exceed Speed" in aviation. It is the maximum speed that an aircraft should never exceed during flight under any circumstances. Exceeding this speed can result in structural failure of the aircraft due to aerodynamic forces. This concept is crucial for pilots, as it helps ensure safe operation and avoids dangerous situations that can arise from flying too fast.

In contrast, maximum cruise speed refers to the fastest speed an aircraft can sustain during normal cruise flight but is not a hard limit like Vne. Normal operating speed is typically defined as the operational speed range for an aircraft where it can operate safely. Best glide speed is the speed at which an aircraft achieves the maximum distance per altitude lost in a glide, which is a completely different aspect of flight performance. All of these other terms relate to speed in aviation, but Vne carries a unique and critical meaning related to safety limits.