1.19 SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
The following definitions are of symbols, abbreviations and termi-
nology used throughout the handbook and those which may be of added
operational significance to the pilot.
(a) General Airspeed Terminology and Symbols
CAS
Calibrated Airspeed means the indicated
speed of an aircraft, corrected for position
and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed
is equal to true airspeed in standard
atmosphere at sea level.
KCAS
Calibrated Airspeed expressed in “Knots.”
GS
Ground Speed is the speed of an airplane
relative to the ground.
IAS
Indicated Airspeed is the speed of an air-
craft as shown on the airspeed indicator
when corrected for instrument error. IAS
values published in this handbook assume
zero instrument error.
KIAS
Indicated Airspeed expressed in “Knots.”
M
Mach number is the ratio of true airspeed
to the speed of sound.
TAS
True Airspeed is the airspeed of an airplane
relative to undisturbed air which is the
CAS corrected for altitude, temperature
and compressibility.
VA
Maneuvering Speed is the maximum speed
at which application of full available
aerodynamic control will not overstress the
airplane.
VFE
Maximum Flap Extended Speed is the
highest speed permissible with wing flaps
in a prescribed extended position.
SECTION 1
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
GENERAL
PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK
REPORT: 2126
ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978
1-6
REVISED: NOVEMBER 2, 1981
1.19 SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
The following definitions are of symbols, abbreviations and termi-
nology used throughout the handbook and those which may be of added
operational significance to the pilot.
(a) General Airspeed Terminology and Symbols
CAS
Calibrated Airspeed means the indicated
speed of an aircraft, corrected for position
and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed
is equal to true airspeed in standard
atmosphere at sea level.
KCAS
Calibrated Airspeed expressed in “Knots.”
GS
Ground Speed is the speed of an airplane
relative to the ground.
IAS
Indicated Airspeed is the speed of an air-
craft as shown on the airspeed indicator
when corrected for instrument error. IAS
values published in this handbook assume
zero instrument error.
KIAS
Indicated Airspeed expressed in “Knots.”
M
Mach number is the ratio of true airspeed
to the speed of sound.
TAS
True Airspeed is the airspeed of an airplane
relative to undisturbed air which is the
CAS corrected for altitude, temperature
and compressibility.
VA
Maneuvering Speed is the maximum speed
at which application of full available
aerodynamic control will not overstress the
airplane.
VFE
Maximum Flap Extended Speed is the
highest speed permissible with wing flaps
in a prescribed extended position.
SECTION 1
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
GENERAL
PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK
REPORT: 2126
ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978
1-6
REVISED: NOVEMBER 2, 1981