Calibrated airspeed (CAS)

Definitions

• Indicated airspeed corrected for installation error and instrument error. Although manufacturers attempt to keep airspeed errors to a minimum, it is not possible to eliminate all errors throughout the airspeed operating range. At certain airspeeds an
• means the indicated airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for position and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed is equal to true airspeed in standard atmosphere at sea level
• Indicated airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for installation and instrumentation errors.
• The speed at which the aircraft is moving through the air, found by correcting IAS for instrument and position errors.
• Indicated airspeed corrected for installation error and instrument error. Although manufacturers attempt to keep airspeed errors to a minimum, it is not possible to eliminate all errors throughout the airspeed operating range. This error is generally greatest at low airspeeds. In the cruising and higher airspeed ranges, indicated airspeed and calibrated airspeed are approximately the same. Refer to the airspeed calibration chart to correct for possible airspeed errors.

References

• 14 C.F.R. Part 1, Federal Aviation Administration, 2026
• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008