How many types of airspeed are there?

There are three primary types of airspeed that pilots use to assess and communicate their aircraft's performance: indicated airspeed, true airspeed, and calibrated airspeed.

Indicated airspeed (IAS) is what the pilot reads directly from the airspeed indicator in the cockpit. This measurement is influenced by the air density and pressure, which means it does not account for actual environmental conditions but rather the pressure exerted by the air on the aircraft’s pitot tube.

Calibrated airspeed (CAS) is the calculated value that accounts for instrument and position errors. It reflects a more accurate measurement than indicated airspeed because it compensates for discrepancies caused by the aircraft's design and setup.

True airspeed (TAS) represents the actual speed at which the aircraft is moving through the air. TAS is adjusted from CAS based on the current altitude and temperature, ensuring it factors in the effects of altitude on air density.

Understanding these different types of airspeed is crucial for pilots as they relate directly to aerodynamics, flight performance, and safety, enabling pilots to make informed decisions during flight operations.