What term describes wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft?

• A. Head Wind
• B. Tailwind
• C. Crosswind
• D. Ground Wind

Answer: (A)

Wind blowing directly against an aircraft’s direction of travel is called a headwind. It slows the aircraft relative to the ground because the airspeed you fly through the air is opposed by the wind coming toward you, so ground speed is reduced (ground speed = airspeed minus the headwind component). This can affect performance, such as requiring more runway length for takeoff or landing and influencing climb rate. By contrast, a crosswind comes from the side and can affect alignment with the runway, while a tailwind comes from behind and increases ground speed. Ground wind is wind at the surface and isn’t defined by its relation to the aircraft’s course.