[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Isn't there a 180 mph speed limit within controlled airspace around a major airport?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Below 18K feet 250 mph I believe. Heck where is my air reg book?

[brooklin]

"Isn't there a 180 mph speed limit within controlled airspace around a major airport?"

What about near a school?

[Criminal Number 18F]

Isn't there a 180 mph speed limit within controlled airspace around a major airport?

Nope. Below 10,000 feet and in a Class B (large airport) area, there is a 250 knot limit (288 mph). In class C and D (smaller, towered airports), there is a 200 knot (230 mph) limit... but the two exceptions are: (1) unless otherwise directed by ATC, and (2) if it's not safe to observe these limits. [Some military and experimental aircraft have higher minimum speeds].

There is a limit in VFR airspace under or VFR corridors through a Class B area of 200kt/230mph. Only the safety exception applies here, not the ATC exception.

These rules are found in 14CFR §91.117.

ATC will often ask you to speed up or slow down to help them with their sequencing. Most pilots will try. Some airlines do not permit them to do that (and they tell the controller "unable.")

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F