What type of speed is referenced when asking if 120 knots is indicated airspeed or ground speed?

When discussing whether 120 knots refers to indicated airspeed or ground speed, it is important to understand the definitions of these terms. Indicated airspeed is the speed shown on the aircraft's airspeed indicator, corrected for instrument and installation errors, while ground speed refers to the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground.

In this context, ground speed is the correct interpretation, as it represents how fast the aircraft is moving over the ground. It is influenced by both the airplane’s true airspeed and the effect of wind. For instance, if an aircraft is flying at 120 knots and the wind is pushing it forward, its ground speed could be higher than its indicated airspeed due to that wind support.

This makes it clear that when the question specifies "120 knots" without any additional context, it would typically pertain to ground speed, particularly in situations where the impact of wind is being considered.