Indicator issues, improper installation, air density, temperature, and wind velocity are some factors that impact the accuracy of airspeed readings. In general, there are two main speeds when it comes to airlines. As pilots, you will likely be familiar with airspeed and ground speed. But a refresher by experts at Momentum Flight Training can clarify the details to refresh your memory.
True Airspeed Vs Ground Speed: What's the difference
Ground speed generally refers to the speed at which an airliner moves relative to the Earth's surface. True airspeed, however, is simply the speed at which an airplane moves relative to the air it flies in. It's also the speed at which the air flows around the wings of the aircraft.
It's important to note that groundspeed is horizontal, not vertical. So an aircraft flying vertically will have zero ground speed. In a nutshell, while true airspeed determines where there's enough airflow around the plane to make it fly, ground speed determines how quickly it will get to the destination.
Types of Airspeed
#1- Indicated Airspeed (IAS)
This type of airspeed is calculated directly off the pilot static system of an aircraft. It's calculated off the dynamic pressure of the aircraft—the difference between static and total pressure. Here, the dynamic pressure depends on the speed of the aircraft, but also on the density it's flying in. The higher an airplane flies, the lower the consequent density, and the bigger the difference between true and indicated airspeed.
#2- Calibrated Airspeed (CAS)
No mechanical device is completely accurate. CAS refers to the corrected IAS for instrument, installation, and a variety of other errors.
Some manufacturing and installation issues and tolerances stack, adding to substantial errors. The error could be several knots under certain flight conditions, such as with deployed flaps or slow flight conditions.
CAS and IAS are approximately the same at high airspeeds and cruising speeds. While many aircraft use an airspeed calibration chart to identify the differences between CAS and IAS, it allows for eliminating all errors.
#3- Equivalent Airspeed (EAS)
EAS refers to corrected CAS for the air's compressibility at the non-trivial Match number. Under the ISA (International Standard Atmosphere) conditions, it's defined as the airspeed at sea level at which the dynamic pressure is equivalent to that of the altitude and the TAS at which the plane is flying.
In simpler words, the air is compressible, but it can be treated as incompressible at low altitudes and airspeeds. CAS should be corrected for compressibility errors at higher altitudes and speeds to determine EAS.
Understanding how all different types of airspeeds work is a crucial part of the toolkits of pilots. Whether you're an experienced regional airline pilot looking to upgrade their skills or a commercial pilot looking to take on the role of a first officer in a regional airline, aviation pilot training programs by Momentum Flight Training can meet and exceed your goals.
Our 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day instructor-led programs are designed carefully with the perfect mix of class-based knowledge and pilot simulator training on full-service AATD that replicates the systems in the Canadair Regional Jet 550, 700, and 900.
Our CRJ simulator comprises systems, immersive displays, switches, and knobs that simulate a realistic feel of the flight deck environment. The experienced instructors help striving regional pilots gain the confidence and skills required to navigate different complex in-flight situations while ensuring all common aircraft procedures are followed properly.
Pilots with a CFI or commercial rating looking to transition into a first-officer role in a crj 550 training, 700, and 900 can reach out to us for more information. Call [833] 427-5876 to discuss your concerns with our instructors.
With only two students per class, we can tailor the courses according to each aspiring pilot's unique learning needs.