What is the maximum allowable tailwind for commercial aircraft?

Most commercial airliners and general aviation aircraft have an operating limitation of 10 knots of tailwind for takeoff and landing, although some modern airliners (e.g. Boeing 777/787 or Airbus A350) can be certified for up to 15 knots under specific performance conditions.

What is a "Calm Wind Runway"?

When surface winds are light and variable (typically under 5 knots), air traffic control designates a designated "Calm Wind Runway", typically chosen based on noise abatement procedures, runway length, or instrument approach availability.

ATC & Pilot Active Runway Selection

Runway in Use Calculator

Find the active runway in use for any airport. Input surface wind direction and velocity to compare all runway orientations and identify the active runway with maximum headwind.

Reported Surface Wind & Airport Runways

Wind Direction: 260° Magnetic

090° (E)180° (S)270° (W)360° (N)

Wind Speed (Knots)

Select Airport Runway Layout

How Air Traffic Control (ATC) Selects Runway in Use:

Aircraft always take off and land into the wind to minimize ground rollout distance. The runway end providing the maximum headwind component and lowest crosswind is selected as the primary active runway in use.

Recommended Active RunwayRunway in Use

Runway 27 (270°)

Runway 27 (270°) is the active Runway in Use, providing 15.8 kts of headwind with a 2.8 kts crosswind from the Left.

Headwind Component:15.8 kts

Crosswind Component:2.8 kts Left

All Evaluated Runway ApproachesRanked by Suitability

Runway 27 (270°)Crosswind: 2.8 kts (Left)

+15.8 kts HeadwindScore: 14.7

Runway 18 (180°)Crosswind: 15.8 kts (Right)

+2.8 kts HeadwindScore: -3.5

Runway 36 (360°)Crosswind: 15.8 kts (Left)

2.8 kts Tailwind ⚠️Score: -9.1

Runway 09 (90°)Crosswind: 2.8 kts (Right)

15.8 kts Tailwind ⚠️Score: -16.9

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Runway in Use Frequently Asked Questions

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Air traffic control (ATC) designates the "Runway in Use" primarily based on surface wind direction and velocity. Aircraft must take off and land into the wind to maximize lift at lower ground speeds. The runway heading that aligns closest to the reported wind direction (providing maximum headwind and minimum crosswind) is selected.