Question

What is the CAS corrected for error due to air density (altitude and temperature)?

1) Altitude only
2) Temperature only
3) Both altitude and temperature
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The CAS corrected for air density, taking into account both altitude and temperature, is an essential adjustment for true airspeed (TAS) in aviation for precise navigation and aircraft performance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The CAS corrected for error due to air density, which factors in both altitude and temperature, is referred to as True Airspeed (TAS). The correction for air density involves both these factors because the density of the air decreases not only with an increase in altitude but also with a rise in temperature.

According to Figure A4, which depicts the Altitude-Air Density Relationship, it's clear that as the altitude increases, air density decreases. The top of Mount Everest at approximately 8,828 meters above sea level has an air density of only 0.023 kilograms per cubic meter, thus highlighting the stark difference in air density compared to sea level.

To ensure accuracy in navigation and flight operations, pilots must convert their Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) to TAS by accounting for variations in air density impacted by both altitude and temperature.