Question

Why do airplane pilots prefer to take off with the airplane facing into the wind?

Short answer

When taking off into the wind, the increased airspeed over the wings gives a larger lifting force, enabling the pilot to take off in a shorter length of runway.

Step-by-step solution

Concept

Aerodynamics is one of the most important objects of study because they provide the bases for flight and the designing of not only aircraft, but also cars, spacecraft, and buildings. Aerodynamics work through the combination of three forces; thrust, lift, drag, and weight.

Explain the reasoning

Aircraft always try to land into wind as it helps with the aerodynamics of the aircraft and increases its performance for free. The problems lie when pilots want to land at an airport that only has one runway and the wind is blowing across it and not down it.

When taking off into the wind, the increased airspeed over the wings gives a larger lifting force, enabling the pilot to take off in a shorter length of runway.