Definition
An autopilot mode that automatically adjusts pitch attitude to maintain a selected indicated airspeed. The autopilot uses elevator inputs to keep the airspeed indicator on the chosen value, allowing the aircraft to climb, descend, or cruise while the airspeed remains constant.
Plain English
A setting on the autopilot that tells the airplane: keep flying at this airspeed. The autopilot will raise or lower the nose as needed to hold that speed steady.
Context Anchor
Seen when using the autopilot during climbs, descents, or other phases where the pilot wants the airplane to maintain a chosen airspeed.
Derivation
Indicated comes from a word meaning “to point out” or “show.” In aviation, indicated airspeed is the airspeed the instrument shows, not a speed corrected for every outside condition. Hold means maintain, so this mode maintains the shown airspeed value.
Why Pilots Care
Holding a constant indicated airspeed is important during climbs (to stay above stall speed and at best-rate or best-angle speed) and descents (to stay below maneuvering or structural speed limits). Letting the autopilot manage airspeed reduces workload and prevents the airplane from drifting into unsafe speed regions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “hold” as meaning the autopilot controls everything about speed. In this context, it means the autopilot maintains the selected indicated airspeed mainly by changing pitch; the pilot still needs to manage and monitor the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off the climb, the pilot engaged indicated airspeed hold at 110 knots and let the autopilot manage pitch while ATC worked out the next altitude.
Example Sentence 2
With indicated airspeed hold engaged, the autopilot adjusted pitch when headwinds increased.