PA.IV.M.K2FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
Bottom line
A ten-knot tailwind increases landing distance by about 21 percent. A crosswind that exceeds the aircraft's demonstrated maximum crosswind component or the pilot's ability may result in loss of control on the ground.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| +21% landing distance with a 10-knot tailwind | Tailwind penalty |
| +20% landing distance for a 10% speed increase | Speed penalty |
| 2 or 3 knots lateral, within 100 to 200 feet of the ground | Vortex drift |
| 1 to 5 knots cross-runway component | Crosswind vortex |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 11 (pp. 11-17–11-18) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 12, Operational Procedures (pp. 12-4–12-5) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AIM 7-6-7 (Mountain Flying) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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