Why can headwind assist planes when taking off and landing? Why does tailwind not help with takeoff?
In: 11
What creates lift is the amount of airflow over the wings. Think like holding your hand out a car window. The faster the car goes the more lift you can create regardless of wind direction. If the wind I blowing head on it increases the airflow relative to the wings and thus increases lift meaning the aircraft needs less runway to takeoff. The opposite is also true. Tail wind might be ideal once airborne but on takeoff it would actually reduce the airflow under the wings and make it harder to achieve the required lift for takeoff (longer runway).
On landing the same is true but in reverse. You want to be able to approach the runway at the minimum possible speed while still having enough lift to stay airborne. If you were coming in with a tail wind you would need more speed and a longer runway to slow down.
Latest Answers