Equivalent airspeed compensates for which of the following effects?

Equivalent airspeed is a crucial concept in aviation that accounts for the effects of air density on an aircraft's performance. It is defined as the calibrated airspeed corrected for compressibility effects at higher speeds, particularly in transonic and supersonic flight regimes. As an aircraft approaches these higher speeds, the air pressure increases, and the behavior of air around the aircraft differs from that at lower speeds.

By using equivalent airspeed, pilots and engineers can better understand the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft, ensuring safe and effective flight performance. This compensation for compressibility effects is essential for maintaining accurate control and stability as the aircraft operates at or near its design limits.

The other options present various factors that do not directly relate to the definition of equivalent airspeed. For instance, turbulence causes variations in airspeed, but it does not intrinsically alter the aerodynamic principles that equivalent airspeed is designed to address. Wind speed and direction are external factors that affect ground speed or heading but are not part of the aerodynamics captured by equivalent airspeed. Lastly, aircraft weight affects performance and handling characteristics but is not compensated for through equivalent airspeed calculations.