The thread on "tough" approaches has me wondering about something. Many of the "tough" or "dangerous" approaches are pretty much one way affairs. That is, the approach is about the only way in, regardless of which way the wind is blowing. So what happens if the winds on approach are tailwinds? In real life, will one make the approach if it is possible? Obviously, one would rather land into the wind than with the wind, but what if that's just not possible?The reason for asking is that ATC in FS2002 seems oblivious to things like mountains. In the past few days, I've flown two "dangerous" approaches in FS2002 where ATC tried to herd all traffic to the opposite runway because of prevailing winds. In real life, I suspect that one would divert if the tail winds were too strong, and land if they were managable, but never go around and land from the other end of the runway because of the mountains.-Basil

If an airport has only one possible direction for approach it would mean a diversion if landing in that direction is impossible.

Given a runway with sufficient length and a runway surface with good braking performance, a tailwind component of up to 10 kt can be tolarated in most airline's operating procedures.Some limit this to 5 kts.Stamatis

Unless there is an approach to the other runway, you can still shoot the approach as long as it has circling minimums. The circling minimums are higher allowing you to circle around and land on another runway. You must stay at the circling MDA until it is safe to descent for landing.