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Old 17th January 2012 | 16:19
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Genghis the Engineer
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Given this is the private flying forum, I'd assume that OAT=IOAT

A quick bit of back of envelope algebra by the way tells me that (within about 3%):

TAS = IAS / SQRT ((288 * air pressure) / ( Absolute Temperature * sea level air pressure))

[clarifying, TAS = EAS/SQRT(sigma); sigma is relative pressure = rho/rho_0, but I just worked it out with temperature and pressure. Below 0.8 Mach and FL100 it's reasonable to assume that EAS=CAS, and certification requirements permit a maximum of 5% error between IAS and CAS.]


In this case however you've got altitude, mach number and temperature. Dead easy.

Speed of sound in metres per second, c = SQRT (gamma * R * T)

Gamma = 1.4 (always is because air is a diatomic gas)
R = 287 J/kg.K (constant for air)
T = 273.15 - 15 = 258.15K

So c = 322 m/s

So, at M=0.4, TAS = 0.4 * 322 = 129m/s

None of your answers are in metres per second, but 1 knot = 0.514 m/s, so let's try that. 129 / 0.514 = 250 knots.

Bingo: 250 knots is your answer.

G
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