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Old 16th May 2015, 08:51
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Heston
 
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The aircraft "feels" only its speed through the air. So in your example the airspeed was about 500mph (ground speed minus the tail wind).


Thinking about it another way, the aircraft has no knowledge of the ground so doesn't mind going fast when its got a tailwind.


Think about rowing a boat up or downstream in a river, or walking backwards or forwards on a travalator. Its the same thing.
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