Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It
Pilot Institute
JULY 11, 2025
That’s the speed your airspeed indicator shows based on ram air pressure in the pitot tube. The tailplane (horizontal stabilizer) at high Mach can also develop shocks or experience disturbed airflow from the wings. Indicated airspeed works reasonably well to estimate how the aircraft “feels” the air.
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