Tailwinds have what effect on landing distance?

• A. Tailwinds shorten landing distance.
• B. Tailwinds have no effect.
• C. Tailwinds reduce takeoff speed.
• D. Tailwinds increase landing distance.

Answer: (D)

Tailwinds increase landing distance because the ground speed at touchdown equals the airspeed plus the tailwind component. With a tailwind, you touch down faster over the ground, so more runway is needed for the braking, reverse thrust, and spoilers to reduce the aircraft’s momentum to a stop. In short, the higher the ground speed at touchdown, the longer the distance required to stop.

This isn’t consistent with the idea that tailwinds shorten the distance, nor with the claim that tailwinds have no effect on landing distance. The note about reducing takeoff speed isn’t about landing distance and doesn’t change the fact that a tailwind makes the landing roll longer.