Flying Magazine

MAY 7, 2025

Operators of airplanes used for commercial transport of people or cargo prefer pound-miles per gallon, but for personal airplanes with randomly varying payloads mpg is a satisfactory yardstick for efficiency. Again, these are indicated airspeeds. Now, miles per gallon is a function of true airspeed, not indicated airspeed.

True Airspeed 103

True Airspeed Indicated Airspeed Knot Airplanes 103

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2025

Consider taking less fuel, cargo, or passengers when operating into high-density airfields. So, on days when we are taking off or landing at an airfield with low air density, we require faster true airspeeds to generate the required lift. This increased true airspeed, along with other factors increases takeoff and landing distances.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Pilot True Airspeed Lift 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Naturally, my first officer and I got a good laugh from this as our 757 was cruising along effortlessly at about 300 knots indicated airspeed, and was not yawing towards the supposedly dead engine. This was done to save fuel and to allow the rampers to open the cargo doors on the right side sooner.

Indicated Airspeed 98

Indicated Airspeed Air Traffic Control Airplanes Descent 98