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PA.IV.D.K2FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge

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

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

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

Bottom line

The most critical conditions of landing performance are combinations of high gross weight, high density altitude, and unfavorable wind. A tail wind of ten knots increases the landing distance by about 21 percent.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
NumberWhat it means
about 21 percent more landing distance with a ten-knot tailwindTailwind penalty
20 percent more landing distance with a ten percent speed increaseFast approach

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 11 (pp. 11-17–11-18) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AIM 7-6-7 (Mountain Flying) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-22) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-16) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AFH ch. 12, Operational Procedures (p. 12-4) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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