What does inertia refer to in terms of motion?

Inertia refers specifically to an object's resistance to any change in its state of motion, whether that be a change in speed or direction. This fundamental principle is derived from Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue moving at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by a net external force. Thus, the greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it will be more difficult to change its state of motion. This understanding is crucial for aviation crew members as it affects how aircraft behave during maneuvers, takeoffs, and landings, ensuring safety and control in various flight scenarios.