Which term is used to describe wind moving opposite to the flight path, affecting ground speed?

• A. Head Wind
• B. Tail Wind
• C. Forward (FWD)
• D. Flight Time

Answer: (A)

Wind moving opposite to the flight path is described as a headwind. Its effect is to slow your motion over the ground because it opposes the aircraft’s forward travel through the air. Ground speed is basically the aircraft’s speed through the air (true airspeed) plus the wind component along the flight path. With a headwind, you subtract that wind speed from your true airspeed, so your ground speed decreases and flight time increases. For example, if you’re flying at 200 knots true airspeed into a 25-knot headwind, your ground speed is about 175 knots. By contrast, a tailwind would increase ground speed, and a crosswind wouldn’t change ground speed but would affect your track and require correction.