Originally Posted by Mad (Flt) Scientist
But wind does matter - otherwise we wouldn't specify that our climb performance tests be conducted headwind/tailwind (some other companies do them crosswind instead) - sometimes it makes a difference.
I think that with respect to definition of climb performance, the ground often matters, so naturally the strength and direction of wind would then be relevant... At the same airspeed, and climb rate defined as metres per minute, an airplane might climb vertically up in a strong headwind, or at a very shallow angle in a strong tailwind...