Pitot Tube 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. That’s the speed your airspeed indicator shows based on ram air pressure in the pitot tube. Here’s why. What Is Mach Number?
Pilot's Life Blog
APRIL 9, 2024
In short, an airspeed indicator measures the ram pressure and compares it to static pressure to determine how fast a plane is moving. Moving air from outside feeds into the pitot tubes and fills a pressure diaphragm. True airspeed (TAS) is the difference between the indicated airspeed and actual speed.
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