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AI.IX.E.K2FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Knowledge

Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.

Bottom line

If there is no wind, the aircraft's ground track is the same as the heading and the groundspeed is the same as the true airspeed. Groundspeed decreases with a headwind and increases with a tailwind.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.
NumberWhat it means
600–1,000 ft AGL for ground reference maneuversAltitude
180° arcNo-wind turn

FAA references

  1. AFH Glossary (p. G-8) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-13) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-3) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-4) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-5) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  7. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. AFH ch. 7 (p. 7-15) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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