Given the following information, calculate the true airspeed.
Altitude: FL095
OAT: +5˚C
RAS: 80 kt
Refer to figure.
Note: FL095 represents the pressure altitude of 9500 ft, expressed as a flight level. This altitude is required when converting the Rectified Airspeed (RAS) to True Airspeed (TAS).
We can use a flight computer (CRP-5) or simple rule of thumb to calculate the TAS once the pressure altitude and the actual Outside Air Temperature (OAT) are known.
1. Flight Computer
- In the AIR SPEED window, align +5°C with 9500 ft (pressure altitude).
- Align the cursor with RAS 80 kt on the inner scale and read TAS 94 kt on the outer scale.
2. Rule of thumb
For every 1000 ft above sea level, TAS increases by 2% of RAS. Therefore,
At 9500 ft:
- TAS increase: 2% x 9.5 = 19% of RAS
- 19% of 80 kt = 15.2 kt
- TAS: 80 kt + 15.2 kt = 95.2 kt ≈ 94 kt (Closest answer)
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