What does calibrated airspeed define?

Calibrated airspeed is defined as indicated airspeed that has been corrected for instrument error. When flying, the airspeed indicator can have discrepancies due to various factors such as installation errors or instrument manufacturing tolerances. These errors can cause the aircraft's indicated airspeed to differ from the true airspeed.

By correcting for these instrument errors, pilots can obtain a more accurate measure of how their aircraft is operating. This correction is crucial because it helps in performance calculations, such as those related to takeoff, landing, and maneuvering. Understanding calibrated airspeed allows pilots to make informed decisions and ensures safe flight operations.