How does a change from headwind to tailwind affect aircraft performance?

When considering the impact of a change from headwind to tailwind on aircraft performance, it's important to analyze how these wind conditions interact with the aircraft's ability to generate lift and control its speed. A headwind opposes the aircraft's forward motion, which can enhance lift during takeoff and landing by increasing the relative airflow over the wings. This increases the aircraft's speed relative to the air without affecting the groundspeed as much.

When the wind shifts to a tailwind, the situation changes significantly. A tailwind reduces the effective airflow over the wings at a given groundspeed, potentially leading to a longer takeoff roll and requiring a higher groundspeed to achieve the same airspeed necessary for lift-off. In terms of landing, a tailwind can also result in a longer landing distance, requiring more runway than if the same maneuver were performed with a headwind.

Thus, transitioning to a tailwind can negatively impact the aircraft's performance, resulting in decreased efficiency in both takeoff and landing phases, which is why selecting the choice that indicates performance will decrease is correct. The aircraft may not reach takeoff speed as efficiently or may need a greater distance to land safely, underscoring the adverse effects of tailwinds compared to headwinds.