> So with that in mind, once the airplane is in the air, it doesn’t “know” if there’s a headwind or a tailwind at all
This stops being true for quick changes - because there's still the inertia of the aircraft. So if the wind speed changes quickly, the aircraft can't immediately move along with it.
This is why gusts are so dangerous to landing aircraft. A strong gust from behind can cost you all your lift, and a strong gust from the front can temporarily stall your wing.
This stops being true for quick changes - because there's still the inertia of the aircraft. So if the wind speed changes quickly, the aircraft can't immediately move along with it.
This is why gusts are so dangerous to landing aircraft. A strong gust from behind can cost you all your lift, and a strong gust from the front can temporarily stall your wing.