Maximum Range: The distance an aircraft can travel on a given amount of fuel. To achieve maximum range, pilots fly at the speed that provides the best fuel efficiency over distance, which is the speed where drag is minimized relative to thrust.

In still air, the TAS for maximum range is set to achieve the best fuel efficiency relative to distance covered. With a strong tailwind, the groundspeed increases without changing the TAS. This means that the distance covered on the ground increases with the same TAS and the aircraft benefits from the increased groundspeed.

• To achieve maximum range, pilots might slightly reduce TAS.

This is because the increased groundspeed from the tailwind allows the aircraft to cover more ground per unit of fuel without needing to maintain the same TAS as in still air. This helps maintain optimal fuel efficiency since the required engine power decreases, lowering fuel consumption while benefiting from the tailwind’s push.