Definition
An autopilot pitch mode that maintains a selected indicated airspeed by automatically adjusting the aircraft's pitch attitude. When engaged, the autopilot pitches the nose up or down as needed to keep the airspeed indicator on the chosen value, allowing altitude to vary as a result.
Plain English
A setting on the autopilot that holds the aircraft at a chosen airspeed by raising or lowering the nose. The aircraft will climb or descend on its own to keep that speed steady.
Context Anchor
Seen when using the autopilot during climbs or descents, especially when the pilot wants the airplane to keep a safe target speed.
Derivation
Indicated means “shown” or “pointed out,” from a root meaning to point out. In aviation, indicated airspeed is the speed shown on the airspeed indicator, so this mode holds the displayed airspeed rather than a corrected or calculated speed.
Why Pilots Care
It relieves the pilot of constant speed monitoring and pitch adjustments, supporting consistent performance and reduced workload.
Grounding Statement
Picture selecting a speed, then watching the autopilot gently raise or lower the nose to keep the airspeed needle near that selected value.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “hold mode” means the airplane will hold everything steady. Here, it specifically holds indicated airspeed, and it does that with pitch; power is still a separate responsibility.
Example Sentence 1
During the climb to cruise, the pilot engaged indicated airspeed hold mode at 110 knots so the autopilot would maintain best rate of climb speed.
Example Sentence 2
With indicated airspeed hold mode engaged, the airplane maintained 95 knots through light turbulence without further pilot input on the yoke.