PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Turning downwind = Loss of airspeed...INITIALLY
Old 30th Oct 2011, 11:52
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ft
 
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What is the change in (directional) ground speed going one way and going the other way, with constant airspeed?

In still air?

In a headwind?

It's the change which matters, and it's the same in both cases.

50 knots IAS and a 50 knot headwind = 0 knot GS.

Turn 180 degrees, maintaining 50 KIAS - you're doing 100 knots GS. Change of 100 knots.

50 KIAS in still air and you're doing 50 knots GS.

Turn 180 degrees, maintaining 50 KIAS - you're still doing 50 knots GS, but going the other way. Absolute change of 100 knots.
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