Does IAS read higher in cold air?

[FORANE]

Does indicated airspeed read higher with a lower outside air temperature?

Cold air is more dense so more ram air pressure (meaning possibly greater IAS reading) yet IAS is based on a difference between static and ram air (meaning possibly canceling each other out?).

 

[MauleSkinner]

For a constant TAS, yes, you'll see a higher IAS at lower temperatures.

 

[MAKG1]

Well, most of us don't fly TAS, so the more correct way of saying it is that TAS goes down when it's colder. Even more correct is that TAS goes up with density altitude (at a rate of about 2% per 1000 feet DA), so if DA is really low, you'll be slow.

 

[MauleSkinner]

Well, most of us don't fly TAS, so the more correct way of saying it is that TAS goes down when it's colder. Even more correct is that TAS goes up with density altitude (at a rate of about 2% per 1000 feet DA), so if DA is really low, you'll be slow.

I don't know that most of us fly a constant IAS either...unfortunately the OP didn't specify the constant.

 

[dmspilot]

Well, most of us don't fly TAS, so the more correct way of saying it is that TAS goes down when it's colder. Even more correct is that TAS goes up with density altitude (at a rate of about 2% per 1000 feet DA), so if DA is really low, you'll be slow.

It's not more correct.

These two statements are equally correct:
At higher density altitude, TAS > IAS
At higher density altitude, IAS < TAS

 

[FORANE]

At higher density altitude, TAS > IAS
At higher density altitude, IAS < TAS

Now I am confused.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

I just use the GPS if I want to see my speed over the ground....

I think the answer would be more clear if the question discussed the issue correctly....the answer needs to discuss instrument error.

 

[Joshuajayg]

Now I am confused.

Don't worry about it. Maule Skinner had it right in the first reply.

 

[Salty]

It's not more correct.

These two statements are equally correct:
At higher density altitude, TAS > IAS
At higher density altitude, IAS < TAS

They are also equally incorrect.

 

[flyingron]

Provided you hold all the other variables constant, a higher density altitude will result in a given calibrated (or in my airplane "true indicated") airspeed will result in a higher true airspeed.