What is the speed at which the aircraft is traveling through the air called?

• A. Velocity
• B. Mach
• C. Ground Speed
• D. Airspeed

Answer: (D)

Airspeed is the speed of the aircraft relative to the air around it. This is the measure pilots use to judge lift and performance because the wings generate lift based on how fast the air moves over them. The airspeed indicator (pitot-static system) reads this value, showing indicated airspeed that pilots reference for takeoff, landing, and maneuvering.

Velocity includes both speed and direction, so it’s a broader concept than simply how fast you’re moving through the air. Mach is the ratio of your airspeed to the local speed of sound, which varies with altitude and temperature, so it’s a different way of expressing speed. Ground speed is your speed over the ground, which changes with wind; in still air, ground speed roughly matches airspeed, but wind can push you to a higher or lower ground speed.