Aileron True Airspeed Turbulence 
Pilot Institute
JULY 11, 2025
Key Takeaways Mach number is a dimensionless ratio of true airspeed to local speed of sound. Mach number is simply a ratio of your true airspeed to the local speed of sound. Air density drops with altitude, so for a given true speed, dynamic pressure (and thus IAS) will be lower at high altitudes. Here’s why.
Plane and Pilot
JUNE 23, 2025
While it wasn’t a particularly hot day, Big Bear’s density altitude was reported as 8,200 feet, resulting in a higher true airspeed compared to indicated airspeed. Increasing true airspeed makes the turn radius wider, resulting in an overshoot. And it’s all so much harder in turbulence. Where is the wind?
Air
MAY 21, 2025
Pilots must use specific techniques, applying rudder and aileron inputs, to maintain directional control and keep the aircraft aligned. It is a particularly insidious phenomenon that can be a prime cause of turbulence. Can cause sudden losses or gains in indicated airspeed (IAS), directly affecting lift.
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