Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Airspeed

The speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The unqualified term “airspeed” means one of the following:
a. Indicated Airspeed - The speed shown on the aircraft airspeed indicator. This is the speed used in pilot/controller communications under the general term “airspeed.” (Refer to 14 CFR Part 1.)
b. True Airspeed - The airspeed of an aircraft relative to undisturbed air. Used primarily in flight planning and en route portion of flight. When used in pilot/controller communications, it is referred to as “true airspeed” and not shortened to “airspeed.”

FMI: www.faa.gov