FAA Ground School Practice Test

How should the flight controls be held when taxiing a tricycle-gear equipped airplane with a left quartering tailwind?

1. Left aileron neutral, elevator down

2. Right aileron up, elevator neutral

3. Left aileron down, elevator down

4. Neutral ailerons, elevator up

The correct answer is: Left aileron down, elevator down

When taxiing a tricycle-gear equipped airplane with a left quartering tailwind, the correct method for holding the flight controls involves managing the effects of the wind on the aircraft's control surfaces to maintain stability and control. In this scenario, the left quartering tailwind can cause the airplane's tail to be pushed toward the right and the nose to want to yaw left. To counteract this tendency, the left aileron should be held down. This creates a bit of aileron-controlled lift on the left wing, helping to maintain a level flight attitude and prevent the left wing from being lifted by the wind. Additionally, holding the elevator down is crucial because it increases the angle of attack, adding lift to the tail and helping to stabilize the aircraft during taxi. By using the left aileron down with the elevator down, the pilot can effectively counteract the effects of the quartering tailwind, ensuring that the aircraft remains on the intended taxi path and does not drift off course. This technique is important for maintaining directional control and ensuring safe ground handling.