← All explained questions · Supplemental · V — Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers
While flying a rectangular course at 800 ft AGL with a constant 15-knot wind from the north, the GROUND TRACK distortion (compared to the airplane's heading) is greatest on the
Choices
upwind leg only.
Upwind requires no crab — only slower groundspeed.
downwind leg only.
Downwind also requires no crab — only faster groundspeed.
✓ crosswind legs (where the wind is perpendicular to the desired ground track and crab angle is required).correct
On crosswind legs the wind blows perpendicular to the desired ground track, requiring the largest crab angle (heading change) to maintain the rectangle's straight side. On upwind/downwind legs, wind blows along the desired track — the airplane's heading equals the desired track (no crab needed) and only groundspeed varies. Ground reference maneuvers train this wind awareness.
no leg has distortion if airspeed is held constant.
Wind always requires correction unless calm.
Why
On crosswind legs the wind blows perpendicular to the desired ground track, requiring the largest crab angle (heading change) to maintain the rectangle's straight side. On upwind/downwind legs, wind blows along the desired track — the airplane's heading equals the desired track (no crab needed) and only groundspeed varies. Ground reference maneuvers train this wind awareness.
FAA source: AFH Ch 6 — Ground Reference Maneuvers; AFH Chapter 6 — Ground Reference Maneuversbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.