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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-headwind-takeoff

A headwind equal to 10 percent of takeoff airspeed shortens takeoff distance by about how much?

About 19 percent.

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  1. 5 percent
  2. 19 percent ✔
  3. 40 percent

Why: A headwind gives the wings extra airflow at a lower ground speed, so the aircraft lifts off after a shorter run. Even a modest headwind makes a surprising difference.

Huh, didn't know that: For maximum rate of climb, a pilot flies at VY, and for maximum angle of climb, at VX.

The dad joke
A headwind is a free runway extension that you can't see.
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References

Answer: 19 percent. A headwind gives the wings extra airflow at a lower ground speed, so the aircraft lifts off after a shorter run. Even a modest headwind makes a surprising difference.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 11 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    the takeoff distance approximately 19 percent
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 11 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    maximum ROC performance, a pilot flies the aircraft at VY
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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