Normally, landings are made into the wind to reduce groundspeed during touchdown and distance used during rollout. However, airport environmental factors like terrain, obstructions, or excessive runway slope may make a downwind landing more practical. Additionally, a pilot may have no choice but to perform a downwind landing in the event of a [[Towline Break]] or other launching emergency. When performing a downwind landing, the pilot should use a normal approach speed, and plan for a shallower approach angle due to increased groundspeed, using spoilers/dive brakes and a [[Slips to Landing#Forward slip]] as needed. Groundspeed will be higher during touchdown and rollout, so plan for a longer landing roll, and increased need for braking to decelerate. ![[PHAK wind vs TOLD.png]] The following formula can be used to determine landing distance: $ D = (\frac{GS}{AS})^2 $ Where GS is groundspeed, AS is airspeed, and D is the factor of the increase in landing distance. For example, if the approach speed used is 50kts, but the aircraft is experiencing a tailwind of 5kts, giving it a groundspeed of 55kts, the factor of increase is 1.21, or a 21% increase in landing distance. Note the **exponential** increase in distance as tailwind velocity increases in proportion to the approach speed used; aircraft capabilities and pilot skills vary, but any tailwinds above a moderate wind speed require extreme caution. ### Common Errors - Improper glidepath control - Improper use of slips - Improper airspeed control - Improper correction for wind - Improper touchdown procedure - Loss of directional control after landing - Improper use of brakes after landing ### Completion Standards - Initial attempts: performs the task with instructor assistance - Solo: understands the risks related to downwind landings, performs a safe downwind landing in association with a simulated emergency without instructor assistance - Sport/Private Pilot: Uses proper downwind landing procedures, maintains selected approach speed ±5kts; the task may be evaluated orally at the discretion of the examiner - Commercial Pilot: Uses proper downwind landing procedures, maintains selected approach speed ±5kts