What wind condition increases ground speed when the wind is blowing in the same direction as the aircraft's travel?

• A. Head Wind
• B. Tail Wind
• C. Crosswind
• D. Breeze

Answer: (B)

Ground speed is the aircraft’s speed over the ground, which combines the speed of the aircraft through the air with the wind’s motion along the flight path. When the wind is blowing from behind it’s a tailwind, and it adds to the aircraft’s forward motion, increasing ground speed. For example, if your airspeed is 140 knots and you have a 20-knot tailwind, your ground speed becomes about 160 knots. Crosswinds push the aircraft sideways and primarily affect its track relative to the ground, not the forward speed along the intended path, while a headwind would slow you down.