← All explained questions · Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
What is the effect of a tailwind on takeoff and landing performance?
Choices
✓ Increases groundspeed at liftoff/touchdown and lengthens both takeoff and landing distances.correct
A tailwind requires a higher groundspeed to achieve the same indicated airspeed needed for liftoff or touchdown. This lengthens both ground rolls. Standard practice is to take off and land into the wind whenever possible.
Decreases takeoff distance but increases landing distance.
A tailwind lengthens BOTH distances, never decreases takeoff distance.
Has no effect on takeoff distance, only landing distance.
Tailwind affects both takeoff and landing.
Increases takeoff distance but decreases landing distance.
Reversed — a tailwind shortens neither.
Why
A tailwind requires a higher groundspeed to achieve the same indicated airspeed needed for liftoff or touchdown. This lengthens both ground rolls. Standard practice is to take off and land into the wind whenever possible.
FAA source: AFH Ch 5, PHAK Ch 11; AFH Chapter 5 — Takeoffs and Departure Climbs; PHAK Chapter 11 — Aircraft Performancebrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.