Definition
The change from one stabilized airspeed to another in level flight, accomplished by adjusting power and trim while holding altitude constant. During the transition, pitch attitude must change to compensate for the shifting relationship between lift, drag, and thrust as speed increases or decreases.
Plain English
Moving from one steady airspeed to a new steady airspeed without climbing or descending. You add or reduce power, let the airplane settle at the new speed, and re-trim so it stays there hands-off.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, especially when changing from one stable speed to another while watching the flight instruments.
Derivation
Transition comes from a Latin idea meaning to go across or pass over. That helps here because the term refers to the in-between phase as the airplane passes from one airspeed to another, not just the final speed.
Why Pilots Care
Allows stable speed changes without altitude or heading deviations, essential for instrument approaches and pattern work.
Grounding Statement
When power or nose position changes, the airplane does not instantly arrive at the new speed; it passes through a short changing period that the pilot must manage.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an airspeed transition as just the moment you pick a new speed. It is the controlled change from the old speed to the new speed.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor asked for an airspeed transition from 110 knots down to 90 knots while maintaining 3,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
During the downwind leg, an airspeed transition to 80 knots was completed while keeping the aircraft level and on heading.