What is the maximum direct tailwind for takeoff and landing?

• A. 5 knots
• B. 10 knots
• C. 15 knots
• D. 20 knots

Answer: (B)

Direct tailwind affects runway performance because it increases ground speed for the same airspeed. On takeoff it means you reach liftoff later in the roll, and on landing it means you touch down with more ground speed, both requiring more runway and reducing safety margins. For this reason, a practical maximum tailwind component for takeoff and landing is ten knots, which keeps performance within normal limits for most aircraft and airports. A smaller value would be safer but not the maximum, and larger values would push distances beyond typical safe margins.