How is True Airspeed (TAS) calculated?

True Airspeed (TAS) is calculated by correcting the indicated airspeed (IAS) for altitude and temperature. This is important because air density changes with altitude and temperature, which affects the performance and behavior of the aircraft. To determine TAS, pilots must adjust the IAS obtained from the aircraft’s pitot-static system, as it does not account for these variations.

Indicated airspeed is the speed shown on the aircraft's pitot tube. However, at higher altitudes where the air is less dense, the indicated airspeed can give a misleading representation of how quickly the aircraft is moving through the air. By applying corrections for altitude and temperature, pilots can derive the true airspeed, which provides a more accurate measure of the aircraft's actual speed relative to the surrounding air. This information is crucial for flight planning and performance calculations, ensuring that pilots can maintain safety and efficiency during flight operations.