When is LTE most likely to occur?

The occurrence of Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE) is most likely in high-power situations with tail winds. This phenomenon is influenced by the combination of rotor blade aerodynamics and the helicopter's flight characteristics. When flying with a tailwind, the advancing rotor blade experiences an increase in relative wind speed, which can reduce the effectiveness of the tail rotor.

In high-power situations, there is greater demand on the tail rotor to counteract the main rotor torque. If the tail rotor is compromised due to the wind conditions, it can lead to a loss of controlled flight and potentially result in an uncommanded yaw movement. This scenario makes understanding LTE critical for pilots, as recognizing the conditions under which it is likely to occur can lead to safer operating practices.

The other options present conditions that do not typically coincide with an increased risk of LTE. High-speed climbs and low-speed descents are generally not associated with tail rotor issues influenced by wind, while stating that LTE can occur at all altitudes oversimplifies the specific situations that increase the risk significantly, particularly in tailwind scenarios during high power settings.