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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 530 of 934

For a given calibrated airspeed, what happens to true airspeed as altitude increases?

  1. True airspeed increases
  2. True airspeed decreases
  3. True airspeed stays the same
  4. True airspeed equals groundspeed
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Correct answer: True airspeed increases

The air is less dense at altitude, so the airplane must fly faster to make the same pressure difference.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Airspeed Indicator (ASI), page 211

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026