airspeed indicator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist/Techinical
Quick answer
What does “airspeed indicator” mean?
An aircraft instrument that displays the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aircraft instrument that displays the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.
Any device or gauge designed to measure the velocity of an object moving through the air (e.g., in meteorology or wind tunnels).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences; a standard international technical term.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; used exclusively in aviation, aerospace, and related technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “airspeed indicator” in a Sentence
The [noun] + VERB + the airspeed indicator.The airspeed indicator + VERB + [measurement].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airspeed indicator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pilot must constantly monitor and cross-check the airspeed indicator.
American English
- You need to scan the airspeed indicator during every phase of flight.
adjective
British English
- The airspeed-indicator reading was crucial for the approach.
American English
- A faulty airspeed-indicator display can lead to serious incidents.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in aviation/aerospace manufacturing or service reports.
Academic
Used in aeronautical engineering, physics, and meteorology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of discussions about flying.
Technical
Core term in aviation, pilot training, aircraft manuals, and maintenance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airspeed indicator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airspeed indicator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airspeed indicator”
- Using 'speedometer' for aircraft (too car-specific). Incorrect plural: 'airspeeds indicators' (correct: airspeed indicators). Confusing it with 'altimeter'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An airspeed indicator shows speed through the air (affected by wind). Groundspeed indicator shows speed over the ground.
It provides critical data for maintaining safe flying speeds, such as stall speed and maximum manoeuvring speed.
Yes, often due to pitot tube blockage (e.g., by ice, insects, or debris), which makes it a key instrument covered in emergency training.
Virtually all powered aircraft and many advanced gliders are required by regulations to have a functioning airspeed indicator.
An aircraft instrument that displays the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.
Airspeed indicator is usually specialist/techinical in register.
Airspeed indicator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeəˌspiːd ˈɪndɪkeɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛrˌspid ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flying by the seat of your pants (contrasted with relying on instruments like the airspeed indicator)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a speedometer in your car, but for AIR SPEED – it INDICATES how fast you're flying through the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE AIRCRAFT IS A BODY (the airspeed indicator is a vital sensor measuring its performance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an airspeed indicator?