Why do pilots use true airspeed?

“True airspeed is important because performance charts in your Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) are based on true airspeed. True airspeed is a calculated number depicting how fast the aircraft is moving through a still air mass. It is computed using indicated airspeed, pressure altitude, and temperature.



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Pilots also use true airspeed when performing dead reckoning or pilotage. They also use true airspeed when filing VFR or IFR flight plans with a weather briefer or when figuring out distance times and wind corrections.

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A very simple rule of thumb is to add 2% to the calibrated airspeed for every 1000 ft of altitude.

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A military pilot who passes the military competency knowledge test and possesses the appropriate documents will be issued a commercial pilot certificate and/or a flight instructor certificate.

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§ 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. (a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.

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Respecting the weather, the impact on fuel consumption, and the effect of drag are all part of best operating an aircraft either at high altitudes or closer to the ground. Generally speaking, flying at higher altitudes means higher airspeed because of less drag.

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What's the strongest wind passenger jets can fly in? There is no single maximum wind limit as it depends on the direction of wind and phase of flight. A crosswind above about 40mph and tailwind above 10mph can start to cause problems and stop commercial jets taking off and landing.

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