Question

Why is it preferable for airplanes to take off into the wind rather than with the wind?

a) Wind increases air resistance
b) Wind decreases lift
c) Increased lift due to higher airspeed
d) Wind has no effect on airplane takeoff

Answer 1

Airplanes prefer to take off into the wind to achieve greater airspeed over the wings at a given ground speed, thereby increasing lift and allowing the plane to become airborne at a lower ground speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is preferable for airplanes to take off into the wind rather than with the wind because taking off into the wind increases the airspeed over the wings at a given ground speed, which increases lift. The wind's speed and direction have a significant effect on the total velocity of the plane. When a plane takes off into the wind, it effectively has a higher airspeed relative to the air mass around it, which enhances lift and allows the plane to become airborne at a lower ground speed. This is important because it reduces the distance needed for takeoff and can be especially beneficial on shorter runways.