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PA.IV.A.R2cFAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management

c. Tailwind

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: c. Tailwind

Bottom line

A tailwind requires the aircraft to achieve a greater groundspeed to attain lift-off speed. The runway half-way sign rule of thumb does not take into account the effects of tailwinds on takeoff performance, which require greater acceleration than normal and can prevent takeoff entirely.

FAA references

  1. 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)
  2. SEA ch. 4 (p. 4-15) — FAA-H-8083-23
  3. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-15) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-27) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. AIM 4-3-17 (VFR Helicopter Operations at Controlled Airports) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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