FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Performance, Weight and BalanceMedium
An airplane's POH states landing distance increases 10% for each 2 knots of tailwind component, up to a maximum of 10 knots. Under no-wind conditions, the airplane's landing distance is 1,000 ft. What landing distance should the pilot expect with a 6-knot tailwind component?
- A1,400 ft
- B1,100 ft
- C1,300 ft
- D1,200 ft
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 1,300 ft
6 knots of tailwind equals three 2-knot increments (6 ÷ 2 = 3), each adding 10%, for a total increase of 30%. 1,000 ft × 1.30 = 1,300 ft.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Overstates the tailwind correction; would require an 8-knot tailwind.
- B. Only accounts for one 2-knot increment (10%).
- D. Only accounts for two 2-knot increments (20%).
Tailwind Effect on Landing Distance
Tailwind components significantly increase landing distance because they increase groundspeed at touchdown without reducing required aerodynamic speed.
- Even small tailwinds cause disproportionately large distance increases
- POH tables often give percentage corrections per knot or per 2 knots of tailwind
- Tailwind landings should generally be avoided when a headwind option exists
Memory trick: Tailwind tacks on trouble, three increments of ten