What does the "TAS" (Total Airspeed) indicate in-flight?

The correct answer emphasizes that pronounced discrepancies in Total Airspeed (TAS) readings could indicate an airspeed indicator failure. Total Airspeed is critical for ensuring safe flight operations, as pilots rely on accurate airspeed data for various performance calculations, including stall speeds and climb rates. If there are significant discrepancies in the TAS readings, this may point to malfunctioning instruments or errors in the airspeed data processing, which can compromise flight safety. Thus, monitoring TAS is vital, and a sudden or unexpected change can trigger further investigation into potential mechanical issues.

In contrast, TAS does not directly measure speed relative to the ground, which is indicated by the ground speed. Also, while TAS readings do provide some context, they are not used to indicate icing conditions, nor are they related to fuel consumption rates. These aspects are monitored through different instruments and methods. Therefore, understanding that discrepancies in TAS may suggest equipment failure is crucial for maintaining safety in flight operations.