Why is it important to consider temperature when calibrating airspeed?

Considering temperature when calibrating airspeed is crucial because temperature directly influences atmospheric density. As temperature increases, the density of air decreases, which can affect the performance of an aircraft, including its lift and drag characteristics. Airspeed readings are typically calculated under standard atmospheric conditions, which assume a specific relationship between temperature, pressure, and density. When the actual temperature deviates from the standard, the calculation of true airspeed (TAS) and indicated airspeed (IAS) can be impacted, leading to potential inaccuracies in performance assessments and safety measures. Therefore, understanding how temperature affects atmospheric density is fundamental to ensuring accurate airspeed calibration and overall flight performance.