What is the formula for calculating true airspeed (TAS)?

True airspeed (TAS) is an essential measure for pilots as it reflects the actual speed of the aircraft through the air. The correct relationship for calculating TAS involves understanding the effects of altitude and temperature on indicated airspeed.

The correct answer establishes that to determine TAS, one must start with ground speed and then account for any wind correction. While ground speed directly considers the movement over the ground, this method allows for an adjustment to reflect the influence of wind on that speed, providing a more accurate reading of TAS.

It is important to note that indicated airspeed (IAS) does not directly consider altitude or environmental factors that affect air density. Additionally, density altitude reflects how air density changes with altitude and temperature but is not directly added to indicated airspeed for calculating TAS. Aircraft weight, while relevant to performance, does not factor into the TAS calculation.

Understanding the correct formula for TAS is crucial for various navigational tasks and ensuring accurate flight performance calculations.