# TAS

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tas
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

Stands for True Airspeed. The actual speed of an airplane through the air, which is different from what the pilot sees on the dial at high altitudes. It helps pilots calculate how long a flight will take.

For teachers: Abbreviation for True Airspeed. The speed of an aircraft relative to the air mass through which it is flying, corrected for altitude and non-standard temperature. It differs from indicated airspeed as air density decreases at higher altitudes.

## Examples

- The pilot checked the TAS to calculate the arrival time.
- At thirty thousand feet, the TAS is significantly higher than the indicated airspeed because the air is much thinner.
- Accurate navigation requires the pilot to convert indicated airspeed to TAS using current atmospheric data, as this figure represents the actual velocity of the airframe through the surrounding medium.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in technical aviation contexts; often appears as an acronym in flight logs and navigation charts.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.