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

A change from a headwind to a tailwind generally enhances airplane performance rather than decreasing it. When an aircraft is flying into a headwind, it must use more power to maintain its airspeed relative to the ground, which can result in increased fuel consumption, longer takeoff and landing distances, and generally lowers the aircraft's overall efficiency.

Conversely, a tailwind aids the aircraft's forward motion, allowing it to achieve the same groundspeed with reduced power settings. This transition can lead to shorter takeoff and landing distances and can improve climb rates, effectively enhancing the aircraft’s performance during various phases of flight. The tailwind can also positively influence fuel efficiency, allowing for more effective operational performance.

In summary, the correct understanding is that the change from headwind to tailwind typically results in increased performance of the aircraft, enabling it to operate more efficiently.