What is a critical flight instrument for determining the aircraft's speed in the Beechcraft Travel Air BE‑95?

The airspeed indicator is a critical flight instrument for determining the aircraft's speed in the Beechcraft Travel Air BE‑95. This instrument provides real-time information about the aircraft's speed over the air, which is essential for safe flight operations. Understanding the aircraft's speed is crucial for various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. It helps the pilot maintain control of the aircraft, operate within the safe speed limits for various maneuvers, and make informed decisions regarding performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.

The airspeed indicator functions by measuring the dynamic pressure of the air entering the pitot tube, which correlates to the aircraft's speed. It helps pilots avoid dangerous situations, such as stalling or exceeding the aircraft's maximum speed.

In contrast, the gyro compass is designed for navigation and direction, the altitude indicator measures the aircraft's height above sea level, and the vertical speed indicator shows the rate of climb or descent. While all these instruments are essential for flight, they do not specifically provide information on the aircraft's speed like the airspeed indicator does.