While the flight director is on, it monitors airspeed and provides overspeed protection. This overspeed protection limits the flight director’s pitch commands in situations where the flight director cannot acquire and maintain the mode reference for the selected vertical mode without exceeding a certified maximum airspeed.

If an overspeed condition develops, a flashing amber ‘MAXSPD’ annunciation appears above the Airspeed Indicator. The flashing annunciation lasts several seconds before becoming solid black text on an amber background. The annunciation disappears when the overspeed condition is remedied.