When planning a flight, your groundspeed (derived from your airspeed and wind) will determine how much time you will need to complete the flight. The time you lose fighting a headwind will not be gained back riding a tailwind. Check out this example as we run the numbers for a flight with a 50-knot wind. Join the discussion >
This discussion is from our online Pilot Information Center, where you can ask questions, contribute answers, earn badges, and join our growing pilot community online. (Log in to the online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to see this discussion.) Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800-USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) or from AOPA Online. Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.