What are the effects of headwind strength on landing? Assuming a direct headwind with zero crosswind component, what are the effects of landing into say a 10kt vs 30kt vs 50kt headwind? Are there any specific advantages or drawbacks to a stronger headwind when landing? Are there any specific procedures that kick in when the headwind exceeds a certain number for a certain aircraft?
I don't know if aircraft type matters much in answering this question, though I realize that small aircraft could potentially encounter a headwind that is faster than the recommended landing speed, thus making it difficult to reach the runway in the first place. Let's leave that situation out of the answers - assume that the wind is slower than the recommended landing speed.
I understand that landing into a headwind is the preferred option, and that tailwind landings are possible up to certain limits.
I understand that crosswind makes the landing more challenging and that there are limits to the crosswind component. Assume a direct headwind for this question.
I understand that a headwind makes ground speed slower for a given quantity of lift, but that's irrelevant to anyone but the passenger anxious to make his connection.
Assume a fairly steady wind with minimal gusting - at a level most pilots wouldn't be concerned with. (Unless, of course, gusts make a more or less significant difference based on steady-stream speed.)
Update:
This seems to be a fairly difficult question. I get the fact that, in practice, the above conditions are likely never going to be met, this is more of a theoretical question - assuming a direct headwind, assuming near zero gusting, assuming &quot;significant&quot; differences in headwind (in relation to the aircraft's landing speed - a C152 with one on board will land slower than a fully loaded A380). These are combinations that will probably never happen outside a wind tunnel, but I'm sure someone, somewhere has thought about them.
Are there any specific advantages or drawbacks to a stronger headwind when landing?


A strong headwind right down the runway can appreciably shorten your landing roll, if you want to do that. If you want to clear the runway as soon as conveniently possible, you might be able to take a taxiway closer to touchdown than you otherwise would.

Or, let's say the taxiway that is closest to your gate is 3/4 or more down the runway, so what you might do in a strong headwind would be to not use reverse, or just go into reverse but not bring the power up. What you don't want to do, at least at busy airports, is tie up the runway at a taxi speed.

Some have contended that a strong headwind, with the resulting lower groundspeed, makes for a slightly smoother landing because the tires don't have to spin up as much. I don't have an opinion on that.

A strong headwind can mean that brake temperatures on arrival at the gate will be lower than otherwise, both because of less brake usage on rollout and better ventilation of the brakes while taxiing.


  Are there any specific procedures that kick in when the headwind exceeds a certain number for a certain aircraft?


I've never heard of such specifically for a headwind, or at least I don't remember ever hearing of such.