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CA.IV.M.K2FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge

Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing.

Bottom line

Currents and winds are important as they affect takeoff, landing, and cruise flight operations. With flaps extended in a crosswind, the wing on the upwind side is more affected than the downwind wing.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing.
NumberWhat it means
2 or 3 knots laterally when larger aircraft vortices sink within 100 to 200 feet of the groundVortex drift
1 to 5 knots cross-runway component can leave the upwind vortex in the touchdown zoneCrosswind vortex

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-7) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. AFH ch. 12, Operational Procedures (p. 12-4) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AFH ch. 17 (p. 17-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  7. AIM 7-6-14 (Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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