Jet, Pitot Tube and True Airspeed

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True Airspeed

Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It

Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

Why do jet pilots talk about speed in terms of Mach number? Why don’t they use Indicated Airspeed just like the pilots who fly slower aircraft? Jet aircraft often fly at speeds close 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

True Airspeed Pilot Indicated Airspeed Lift

Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

If you’re aiming to get comfortable with managing both airspeed and altitude in flight, you’ll need to understand the difference between indicated airspeed (IAS) and true airspeed (TAS). Key Takeaways Airspeed and altitude are directly linked to each other throughout different phases of your flight.

True Airspeed

True Airspeed Indicated Airspeed Altimeter Lift

Aviator Connection

Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It

Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

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