What is the maximum tailwind component allowed?

What is the maximum tailwind component allowed?

• A. 10 kts
• B. 15 kts
• C. 20 kts
• D. 25 kts

Answer: (B)

Tailwind component is the portion of wind that blows along the runway direction, which directly affects takeoff and landing performance. A tailwind makes the runway seem shorter in effect, increasing takeoff distance and reducing braking effectiveness on landing. Because of that, there is a specified maximum to keep safety margins within the airplane’s performance limits. For this aircraft, the maximum permissible tailwind component is fifteen knots. If the wind has a tailwind component greater than fifteen knots, that runway would not be used for takeoff or landing and an alternate runway or approach would be required. A smaller value like ten knots is more conservative but not the specified maximum, while higher values such as twenty or twenty-five knots exceed the limit and are not allowed.

Tailwind component is the portion of wind that blows along the runway direction, which directly affects takeoff and landing performance. A tailwind makes the runway seem shorter in effect, increasing takeoff distance and reducing braking effectiveness on landing. Because of that, there is a specified maximum to keep safety margins within the airplane’s performance limits. For this aircraft, the maximum permissible tailwind component is fifteen knots. If the wind has a tailwind component greater than fifteen knots, that runway would not be used for takeoff or landing and an alternate runway or approach would be required. A smaller value like ten knots is more conservative but not the specified maximum, while higher values such as twenty or twenty-five knots exceed the limit and are not allowed.