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When flying on the northern hemisphere under tailwind conditions (cross wind component zero), which statement is correct regarding the location of pressure systems in relation to your flight path?
  • A
    A low pressure area is on your left.
  • B
    You are flying towards an area of high pressure.
  • C
    A low pressure area is on your right.
  • D
    You are flying towards an area of low pressure.

Refer to figure.
An easy way to solve this kind of questions is referring to Buys Ballot’s Law.

1. Draw your aircraft – the direction is irrelevant.
2. Red arrow represents the wind direction – in this case, tailwind.
3. According to Ballot’s Law, in the Northern Hemisphere, if one stands with one's back to the wind the atmospheric pressure will be lower on one's left – Meaning that the LOW will be left of the arrow.

  • therefore, when experiencing a tailwind in the Northern Hemisphere, we can conclude that the lower pressure will be on our left.

Keep in mind the general wind circulation:

  • Northrn Hemisphere; around a LOW it is anti-clockwise and around a HIGH it is clockwise.
  • Southern Hemisphere; around a LOW it is clockwise and around a HIGH it is anti-clockwise.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



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