Loss of airspeed turning out of a headwind
I think there is a great deal of discussion that could be had re a loss of airspeed turning out of a headwind into a tailwind. Apart from the obvious discussion of CAS versus EAS and the ramifications of very slow speed aircraft such as a First World War type, there is the issue of slip and skid, whether the aircraft is in or out of balance, whether the aerodynamic forces involved are in equilibrium and, not a insignificant factor, the rate of turn used. Instantaneous effects, regardless of the overriding criteria of 'airmass movement' versus 'ground observation' will show that the airspeed will change during such a turn. If you take the manoeuvre to criticality, i.e approaching the 1G stall speed, in a twin engined aircraft with the critical engine (the engine inop that requires the highest speed for controllablility) shut down; I think you will very well find a decrease in airspeed turning out of a headwind. All thoughts welcomed.
Last edited by actus reus; 14th November 2007 at 11:15.
Reason: mistake spelling