When taxiing an airplane with a quartering tailwind, the elevators and upwind aileron should be in which position?

When taxiing an airplane with a quartering tailwind, the elevators and upwind aileron should be in which position?

• A. Up position
• B. Down position
• C. Neutral position
• D. Upwind and down positions alternately

Answer: (B)

With a quartering tailwind, the wind is coming from behind and to one side, which can push the upwind wing upward and tend to lift the tail if you leave the controls neutral. Deflecting the upwind aileron downward lowers the upwind wing, helping keep both wings level and resisting the wind’s tendency to lift that wing. At the same time, pushing the elevator forward (down) helps keep the nose down and prevents the tail from lifting into the tailwind, which helps maintain stable, controllable taxiing on the ground. Using these inputs together gives the best stability in this wind condition, whereas leaving the controls neutral or lifting the elevator could allow the airplane to weathervane or roll with the wind more easily.

With a quartering tailwind, the wind is coming from behind and to one side, which can push the upwind wing upward and tend to lift the tail if you leave the controls neutral. Deflecting the upwind aileron downward lowers the upwind wing, helping keep both wings level and resisting the wind’s tendency to lift that wing. At the same time, pushing the elevator forward (down) helps keep the nose down and prevents the tail from lifting into the tailwind, which helps maintain stable, controllable taxiing on the ground. Using these inputs together gives the best stability in this wind condition, whereas leaving the controls neutral or lifting the elevator could allow the airplane to weathervane or roll with the wind more easily.