(b) Design dive speed, V D. V Dmust be selected so that V C/ M Cis not greater than 0.8 V D/ M D,or so that the minimum speed margin between V C/ M Cand V D/ M Dis the greater of the following values:

(1) From an initial condition of stabilized flight at V C/ M C,the airplane is upset, flown for 20 seconds along a flight path 7.5° below the initial path, and then pulled up at a load factor of 1.5 g (0.5 g acceleration increment). The speed increase occurring in this maneuver may be calculated if reliable or conservative aerodynamic data is used. Power as specified in §25.175(b)(1)(iv) is assumed until the pullup is initiated, at which time power reduction and the use of pilot controlled drag devices may be assumed;

(2) The minimum speed margin must be enough to provide for atmospheric variations (such as horizontal gusts, and penetration of jet streams and cold fronts) and for instrument errors and airframe production variations. These factors may be considered on a probability basis. The margin at altitude where MCis limited by compressibility effects must not less than 0.07M unless a lower margin is determined using a rational analysis that includes the effects of any automatic systems. In any case, the margin may not be reduced to less than 0.05M.

Vc is the maximum operating airspeed and Mc is the maximum operating Mach number. Vd is the dive speed and Md is the dive Mach number. Vc and Mc are called out in an aircraft's Type Certificate Data Sheet. Vd and Md are usually not on the TCDS.

So, it's not ham-fisted throttle-jockey joy-riding test pilots, but rather a certification requirement to demonstrate flutter resistance up to the design dive speed.