Indeed it is.
If you were lined up on the runway, not moving, with 20 knots of wind blowing on your nose, then your airspeed is 20 knots. Groundspeed being stationary is nothing. Think of the wind going over wings at 20 knots so creating lift; velocity is relative and is a function of the lift equation
So if we land into wind, we have a reduced groundspeed and so a shorter roll. Conversely landing with a tailwind means the ground roll is much longer and you require much more runway. It’s also a trickier thing to do a with tail and crosswind component.
If the wind is bang 90 degrees across the runway, then either direction on the runway is valid (0 knots head or tailwind). But you have to consider the aircraft’s ability to maintain a straight line on the runway given i) the control authority and ii) your ability to cope.
In all cases, before landing it is up to you to decide if the runway in use is a good choice given the conditions.
Are you thinking of doing or are commencing your PPL, Stephen?
Sign In
