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CA.IV.B.R2cFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Risk management

c. Tailwind

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: c. Tailwind

Bottom line

There may be an unrecognized tailwind component and higher groundspeed on the base leg, which causes the pilot to turn late or with inadequate bank. At the relatively low altitude of a base-to-final approach turn, a pilot should be reluctant to use bank angles greater than 30 degrees and should not make a skidding turn if correcting for any overshoot.

FAA references

  1. AFH Glossary (p. G-8) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-15) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AFH ch. 5, Cross-Control Stall (p. 5-20) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-27) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  6. SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-8) — FAA-H-8083-23
  7. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. AIM 7-6-8 (Use of Runway Half-way Signs at Unimproved Airports) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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