Crosswind Challenges
Most aircraft accidents occur during the take-off and landing phase of the flight. Collisions with obstacles during climb out, runway overruns on landing occur every now and then. On this part of the site we will take a look at the various factors contributing to the performance of the aircraft in this part of the flight. Hopefully we help the pilot ensuring safe operation during these phases of the flight as the rules require that of the pilot in command.
The effect wind has on our aircraft is something we can influence to some extend. We can choose runways with the greatest headwind component (when the airport has multiple) and use the wind on our tails when flying to our destination. Wind speed and direction sometimes varies with altitude so that can be used too.
Some pilots see it as a challenge when the wind changes to a good crosswind, and it is. Doing it right takes hours of practice combined with a good explanation of how it is done, so continue reading.
Crosswind landings
There are three situations when there is no crosswind: with no wind and with an exact head or tailwind. Then and only then, the crosswind is no factor. During take-off and landing crosswinds can be difficult to handle and during flight training the new pilot must learn this properly and comfortably.
Crosswind calculations
To calculate the crosswinds for take off, landing and enroute see the image for the standard crosswind chart or just use the calculator below.
  Crosswind Chart |
Handling crosswinds
Handling a crosswind during landing can be quite a task, especially for new pilots. Basically there are two methods for approaching a runway with a crosswind: Crab into the wind and the Wing down/slip method.
Crab method (preferred)
I prefer the crab method, it's way easier to do, just fly to the runway nose into the wind as always. If this can not be done then its time to divert to a more favorable runway/airport.
The aircraft does not slip (important when fuel levels are getting low), all available stick/yoke control for counteracting turbulence is available and you and the passengers do not lean sideways. Everybody sits comfortable.
The difficult part is during landing touchdown: you must line the aircraft up with the runway with the rudder and bank into the wind (compensating for the crosswind) moments before touchdown, while the speed reduces. At this point the aircraft changes to the wingdown situation and at almost the same time touchdown is accomplished. Remember to keep the stick/yoke into the wind during roll out and taxi.
Maintain some power during touchdown as the wingdown method introduces more drag.
Wing down / sideslip
The wing down/slip method requires the pilot to fly the aircraft lined up with the runway and banked into the wind when turning on final, at this point the aircraft slips and consequently stall speed is higher. Some find this the easy way. But if turbulence is encountered, stick or yoke control could possibly be not enough to counter it.
At this point you will be blown away from the center line and might have to abort the landing. You and the passengers lean toward the side (this could not be comfortable for them) as does the fuel in the tanks. Especially a problem if the fuel level in the tank is low, where the fuel is likely to be pushed away from the tank outlet thereby possibly starving the engine. With full tanks the fuel could be forced out of the vents draining overboard.
The landing procedure is the same as with the crab method.
One more reason for NOT using the wingdown method is that the aircraft is slipping (increased stall speed). Guess what happens if you enter a stall (due to turbulence) in a slipping aircraft... An immediate spin to the low wing is the result. Now try to recover from that at 400 ft AGL on final approach to the runway.
Crosswinds reduce your headwind component (only when the crosswind is more or less from up front). Basically if crosswind is 30 degrees off the runway heading it reduces the headwind by 15%. At 45 degrees it will be 30% less headwind. Something to keep in mind when heading for short runways.
Crosswind Take-offs
This is the same procedure as with a landing, only in reverse. Line up with the runway and keep the stick/yoke fully into the wind. Slowly add full power while keeping the aircraft aligned on the centerline with the rudder. Hold the aircraft on the runway somewhat longer than normal and lift-off.
The aircraft will lift-off with the downwind wing higher than the upwind wing in a wing down attitude. When the wheels are off the runway reposition into the crab attitude and climb out keeping the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline.
