What is the definition of calibrated airspeed?

Prepare for the Airline Transport Pilot Written Knowledge Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Calibrated airspeed is best defined as indicated airspeed adjusted for installation and instrument error. This means that it takes into account any inaccuracies that may arise from the specific characteristics of the aircraft’s instruments and the way they are set up or installed.

Indicated airspeed is the raw reading from the aircraft's airspeed indicator, which may not always accurately reflect the true airspeed due to several factors, including variations in pressure calibration or installation effects. By correcting for these installation and instrument biases, calibrated airspeed provides pilots with a more reliable measure of the aircraft’s speed through the air. This is crucial for accurately assessing performance and ensuring safe operation, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing.

The other options pertain to different types of airspeeds, which do not reflect the concept of calibrated airspeed. True airspeed involves factors like altitude and temperature but does not correct for the instrument’s own errors, groundspeed pertains to the aircraft's speed over the ground affected by wind, and the last option concerning indicated airspeed corrected for altitude does not encompass the necessary adjustments for instrument error and installation specifics which are integral to defining calibrated airspeed.

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