Definition
A vertical, moving-scale display of indicated airspeed shown on an electronic flight instrument or primary flight display. Numbers scroll up or down past a fixed pointer or reference line as airspeed changes, with color-coded bands marking flap operating range, normal range, caution range, and never-exceed speed.
Plain English
The strip of numbers on a glass cockpit screen that shows how fast the airplane is flying through the air. The numbers slide past a marker as the speed goes up or down.
Context Anchor
Seen on a primary flight display in airplanes with electronic instruments, including when checking airspeed during abnormal or emergency situations.
Derivation
Called a 'tape' because the moving column of numbers resembles an old measuring tape sliding past a fixed point, rather than a needle sweeping around a dial.
Why Pilots Care
Gives instant visual feedback on airspeed so the pilot can maintain safe margins without looking away from the main instrument scan during time-critical emergencies.
Intuition Check
Tape does not mean adhesive tape here. It means a vertical moving scale of numbers on an electronic display.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine failure, the pilot glanced at the airspeed tape to confirm best glide speed was being held.
Example Sentence 2
As the airplane descended, the airspeed tape climbed toward the red line, prompting an immediate reduction in pitch attitude.