Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Commercial Pilot License Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What does indicated airspeed (IAS) represent?

The true airspeed of the aircraft

The speed of the airplane as observed on the airspeed indicator

Indicated airspeed (IAS) represents the speed of the airplane as observed on the airspeed indicator. This measurement is taken directly from the aircraft's pitot-static system and displays the dynamic pressure caused by the aircraft's movement through the air. IAS is crucial for pilots as it is used for several important flight parameters, including takeoff and landing speeds, and safety margins, as it reflects the aerodynamic conditions acting on the aircraft at that moment.

While other terms relate to airspeed, such as true airspeed (TAS) or calibrated airspeed (CAS), IAS is specifically the raw reading from the airspeed indicator and does not take into account corrections for factors like altitude or temperature. Understanding IAS is fundamental for executing proper flight maneuvers and maintaining aircraft control during various phases of flight.

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The airspeed corrected for altitude and temperature

The calibrated speed after accounting for instrument errors

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