What does the Indicated Airspeed (IAS) indicate during flight?

Indicated Airspeed (IAS) is the speed that is displayed on an aircraft's airspeed indicator and is measured in knots. This measurement is derived from the pitot static system, which measures the dynamic pressure of the air as the aircraft moves through it. IAS is crucial for pilots because it is the reference speed for aircraft performance, such as stall speeds, maneuvering speeds, and speed limitations, and is consistent regardless of altitude or air density.

Other options do not accurately describe IAS. The actual speed of the aircraft over the ground is termed Ground Speed, which accounts for the effects of wind. The adjusted speed for altitude would refer to True Airspeed (TAS), which incorporates adjustments for temperature and pressure altitude. Lastly, the speed adjusted for wind and temperature would also not be IAS but rather a derivative form of speed applicable in navigation calculations. Thus, the focus remains on the airspeed indicator reading itself, making the specified answer the most precise in the context of indicated airspeed during flight.