How would you calculate wind speed if the true airspeed is 110 knots and groundspeed is 98 knots?

To determine the wind speed in this scenario, it's essential to understand the relationship between true airspeed, groundspeed, and wind speed. True airspeed is the speed of the aircraft through the air, while groundspeed is the speed of the aircraft over the ground. Wind speed affects these two measurements.

In this case, if the true airspeed is 110 knots and the groundspeed is 98 knots, the wind is acting against the aircraft’s direction of flight, causing a decrease in groundspeed compared to true airspeed.

Calculating the wind speed involves finding the difference between true airspeed and groundspeed. Since the aircraft is slower over the ground than it is through the air due to headwind, the formula used is:

Wind Speed = True Airspeed - Groundspeed.

Applying this with the given values:

Wind Speed = 110 knots - 98 knots = 12 knots.

This result indicates that there is a 12-knot headwind affecting the aircraft. Understanding this relationship and calculation is crucial for pilots, as it helps in flight planning and navigation.