Equivalent Airspeed
What is equivalent airspeed?
Equivalent airspeed (EAS) is calibrated airspeed (CAS) corrected for the compression of air inside the pitot tube, which becomes significant at higher speeds and altitudes. At sea level in a standard atmosphere, EAS equals CAS, but the two diverge as altitude increases. Think of it as: CAS that has been "trued up" for air compressibility effects.
Also known as: EAS, equivalent airspeed
Studying for an FAA written test?
Terms like equivalent airspeed show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.
Learn more in the library
Related terms
- elevator
- empty weight
- energy height or total specific energy
- energy system
- exhaust
- exhaust stroke
- false horizon
- false start