Tailwind crosswind contaminated takeoff and landing: maximum crosswind?

• A. 5 knots
• B. 10 knots
• C. 20 knots
• D. 15 knots

Answer: (D)

When the runway is contaminated, braking action and directional control are degraded. Add a tailwind, and you lose headwind component during approach and rollout, which increases stopping distance and makes maintaining the runway centerline more challenging. Because of these factors, a conservative crosswind limit is set specifically for contaminated takeoff and landing with a tailwind, ensuring you can maintain control on rollout and still stop or safely abort if needed.

The correct choice reflects that balanced, safer margin—not too restrictive, not overly permissive for contaminated tailwind conditions. The other options would either unduly limit operations or push the handling margins beyond what contaminated surface braking and tailwind conditions can reliably support.