What does speed stability refer to in aviation?

Speed stability in aviation primarily concerns how an aircraft responds to changes in speeds due to various factors like modifications in power or environmental disturbances. The correct answer defines speed stability as the ability of an aircraft to return to its original airspeed after experiencing a disturbance. This characteristic is essential for ensuring that an aircraft maintains proper control and performance once any changes in flight dynamics occur, such as turbulence or power adjustments.

When an aircraft has good speed stability, it means that if the speed deviates from what is needed for optimal flight (due to external or internal influences), the aircraft will naturally tend to return to that original or desired airspeed without requiring constant pilot input. This quality contributes significantly to the aircraft's overall safety and handling characteristics, especially during various phases of flight where maintaining a specific airspeed is critical for performance and stability.