What is the minimum altitude (AGL) for speed brake deployment?

• A. 2,000 feet
• B. 1,000 feet
• C. 1,500 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: (B)

Speed brakes are used to increase drag and reduce lift, letting you lose energy or adjust descent rate when needed. Because extending them changes the airplane’s performance significantly, you need enough altitude to maintain control and configure for the next phase of flight. The minimum altitude allowed for deploying speed brakes is 1,000 feet AGL, which gives you sufficient room to stabilize the approach, trim, and adjust thrust or flaps if something unexpected occurs. Deploying below this height would leave little margin to recover or stabilize before landing, so 1,000 feet AGL is the practical lower limit.