How is calibrated airspeed defined?

Calibrated airspeed refers specifically to the airspeed of the aircraft that has been adjusted for instrument and position errors. When pilots utilize airspeed indicators, various factors can influence the accuracy of the readings, including imperfections in the instruments themselves and the impact of airflow around the aircraft's components. By correcting for these errors, calibrated airspeed provides a more precise measurement of the aircraft's performance and handling characteristics in the air.

In contrast, wind factors, environmental conditions, and the aircraft's relation to the ground do not play a role in defining calibrated airspeed, which is solely focused on the instrument accuracy and position errors. True airspeed, on the other hand, refers to the actual speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air and is influenced by altitude and temperature, while ground speed is the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground, factoring in wind effects.