Where should pilots land and take off whenever possible?

Pilots should land and take off into the wind whenever possible because doing so significantly enhances aircraft performance and control. When taking off or landing into a headwind, the aircraft can achieve the necessary lift at a lower ground speed, which means it requires a shorter distance to become airborne or to land safely. Additionally, a headwind provides better control during these critical phases of flight, improving stability and response during landing approaches and takeoff climbs.

In contrast, taking off or landing with a tailwind can lead to longer distances required for takeoff and landing, which can be especially critical at airports with limited runway length. It may also impact the aircraft's handling characteristics, potentially making it harder to control during those phases of flight. Therefore, flying into the wind is the preferred practice for ensuring safety and efficiency in aviation operations.