Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

Why don’t they use Indicated Airspeed just like the pilots who fly slower aircraft? Flight at those speeds introduces all kinds of challenges, including the need to know your speed in relation to the speed of sound. Key Takeaways Mach number is a dimensionless ratio of true airspeed to local speed of sound. Here’s why.

True Airspeed

Pilot's Life Blog

APRIL 9, 2024

However, the single most important aircraft instrument is probably the airspeed indicator. True to its name, the airspeed indicator tells you how fast the plane is going and is important for flight planning and maintaining aircraft performance. Why Are Airspeed Indicators Important?

Pitot Tube

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2025

Key Takeaways Air density affects aircraft performance, including lift, engine power, and propeller effectiveness. High-density altitude reduces aircraft performance, requiring flight adjustments. These include lift, propeller thrust, and engine combustion. Fewer air molecules result in less dense air, which means less lift.

Density Altitude

Air

MAY 21, 2025

Can cause sudden losses or gains in indicated airspeed (IAS), directly affecting lift. Effects: An aircraft flying through a microburst might first encounter a strong headwind (increasing IAS), then a powerful downdraught, followed by a sudden and severe tailwind (causing a dangerous loss of IAS and lift).

Crosswind