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Aviation Dictionary

Relative wind

The direction of the airflow with respect to the wing. If a wing moves forward horizontally, the relative wind moves backward horizontally. Relative wind is parallel to and opposite the flightpath of the airplane.

Dictionary Term

Relative wind

Definition

  • The direction of the airflow with respect to the wing. If a wing moves forward horizontally, the relative wind moves backward horizontally. Relative wind is parallel to and opposite the flightpath of the airplane.

References

  • Airplane Flying Handbook · Federal Aviation Administration · 2021