Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

True airspeed (TAS) refers to the actual speed at which an aircraft is moving through the air. It represents the aircraft's performance and is important for various calculations, including fuel consumption, flight planning, and navigation. TAS is distinct from other speed measurements, as it accounts for altitude and environmental factors that can affect an aircraft's speed relative to the surrounding air.

When discussing the different options:

- Calibrated airspeed (CAS) is a corrected value derived from indicated airspeed, taking into account instrument and positioning errors, but it doesn't provide a direct indication of true airspeed.

- Adjusted airspeed for altitude is part of the process to determine TAS, but it is not solely defined by altitude; it also considers temperature and pressure variations.

- Speed in relation to the ground pertains to groundspeed, which factors in wind conditions and is not the same as TAS.

Therefore, the statement that true airspeed is the actual speed you are moving through the air accurately captures the essence of what TAS represents in aviation. Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots to optimize their flight performance and navigation.