What’s Airspeed and Is There More Than One Type?

Flying an airplane is certainly different than driving a car. One of the many differences includes the different types of airspeed.  A recent article in “FAA Safety Briefing” by FAA Flight Test Engineer Jason Brys included discussion of groundspeed, true airspeed, indicated airspeed (also known as IAS) and calibrated airspeed (CAS).  These will be important for you to know as you study to be a pilot.

So here is a headstart on learning about airspeeds: GROUNDSPEED – pilots need to know that the speed shown in your aircraft might not be be the actual spped of the aircraft because of factors such as wind, which could alter the aircraft’s true speed.  TRUE AIRSPEED is a measure of the speed of the airplane in relation to the air flowing around it. This can vary vary at different altitudes and also during different air density conditions.

INDICATED AIRSPEED (IAS) matters a lot to the pilot as it indicates the boundaries of the airspeed that a particular aircraft can operate in. CALIBRATED AIRSPEED (CAS) accounts for position or system errors  that an airplane experiences. It’s definitely a bit more complicated than in an automobile.

Why do these different airspeeds matter?  The best way to explain is by example.  For, for example, your airspeed indicator shows a stall speed at an IAS of 50 knots, your aircraft could actually stall at an CAS of 58 knots. So flying at the correct airspeed for your aircraft will make you a safer and better pilot.

During pilot training you will learn more about such things as airspeed; you will be able to experience them as as soon as you arrive at Phoenix East Aviation; right away you will start flying with your instructor.  In fact, you will be learning in the classroom at the same time as in the cockpit.  Not all academies do that, but it is the best way for you to learn.  Interested in learning more about the advantages of the Phoenix East Aviation flight training?  See www.pea.com and contact an Admissions Officer.