What does the Airspeed indicator measure?

• A. Current altitude
• B. Fuel efficiency
• C. Current speed of the aircraft
• D. Rate of climb or descent

Answer: (C)

The airspeed indicator measures the current speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air. This is crucial for pilots because understanding the aircraft's speed is vital for safe operation and performance. The indicated airspeed can inform decisions related to takeoff, landing, and maneuvering, as it affects lift, control effectiveness, and stall speed.

Current altitude is measured by altimeters and not related to airspeed, while fuel efficiency is typically derived from various factors including speed but is not directly measured by the airspeed indicator. Lastly, the rate of climb or descent is indicated by a vertical speed indicator (VSI) and is unrelated to the airspeed readings. Understanding the specific role of the airspeed indicator highlights its importance in flight operations.