Air Speed Indicator

An Air Speed Indicator is a flight instrument that measures the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air. It provides the pilot with crucial information about the aircraft's speed, which is essential for maintaining safe and efficient flight.

The Air Speed Indicator is typically located on the aircraft's instrument panel and is connected to the pitot-static system. This system consists of a pitot tube, which measures the dynamic pressure of the air, and static ports, which measure the static pressure of the air. By comparing these two pressures, the Air Speed Indicator calculates the aircraft's airspeed.

The Air Speed Indicator displays the airspeed in knots or miles per hour, depending on the unit of measurement used. It usually has color-coded markings to indicate different speed ranges, such as the aircraft's stall speed, normal operating range, and maximum speed.

In addition to providing the current airspeed, some Air Speed Indicators also have additional features, such as a trend indicator that shows whether the aircraft's speed is increasing or decreasing, and a Mach number indicator that displays the aircraft's speed relative to the speed of sound.

Overall, the Air Speed Indicator is a critical instrument for pilots, as it helps them maintain proper control and performance of the aircraft during flight.