Final answer:
To fly for maximum range, pilots adjust their airspeed based on wind conditions; they increase airspeed with a headwind to maintain efficiency and decrease it with a tailwind to save fuel.
Step-by-step explanation:
When flying for maximum range, pilots must adjust their flight strategy depending on whether they are encountering a headwind or a tailwind. With a headwind, the pilot should increase airspeed to maintain groundspeed and thus efficiency. Conversely, with a tailwind, the pilot can reduce airspeed while maintaining the same groundspeed, thereby saving fuel and extending range. These adjustments are necessary to counteract the wind's speed and direction, which significantly impact the total velocity of the plane relative to the ground.
Flying into a headwind reduces the aircraft's ground speed, which impacts the range. To compensate, the pilot needs to fly faster than the usual cruising speed to maintain efficiency. If the airplane is encountering tailwinds, it is beneficial due to the increased ground speed with less engine power. Therefore, the pilot should take advantage of the situation by reducing engine power, which conserves fuel and contributes to a longer range.