How to Land in a Crosswind
One of the most challenging skills for any new pilot to learn, is how to land the aircraft.
It takes a mix of knowledge, coordination, skill and recency, so when you add wind and weather into the mix, it can be stressful for both new and experienced pilots.
One of the more challenging landing scenarios occurs when dealing with a crosswind. Whether you are a pilot in training or haven't encountered a landing in crosswind conditions in a while, reviewing your techniques can help keep you sharp and ready.
What is a Crosswind Landing?
A crosswind landing is when you are attempting to land an aircraft with the wind blowing perpendicular across the runway. Many airport have various runways to help pilots avoid having to land in a crosswind, however sometimes it is unavoidable, and many smaller airports may only have one runway, so it's always best to know and practice different techniques to prepare yourself adequately for crosswind conditions.
1. Choose Your Landing Method
Pilots use two main methods to land in a crosswind: the crab method and the wing-low or slip method. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, but you should be prepared to use either one at any given time on approach.
Crab Method – The crab method has you ‘crabbing’ into the wind (the nose of your aircraft is turned into wind) to prevent your aircraft from drifting off course.
The crab is maintained until your flare, and just before you touchdown, you must straighten the aircraft using rudder, to align the nose of the aircraft with the runway, and use ailerons to dip your wing ‘into wind’ to prevent the aircraft from drifting.
Wing-Low or Slip Method – The wing-low method is one of the easier ways to ensure a smooth landing and requires you to line up your nose straight with the runway using rudder on final approach, and counteract any possible drift with the ailerons.
2. Maintain Speed – Depending on your aircraft, you will want to keep your speed slightly higher than you usually would in a crosswind landing situation. Flying a slightly higher airspeed on approach, and using a lower flap setting can help keep you stable, and maintain the effectiveness of the ailerons as your speed slows.
3. Complete the Landing – Once your wheels touchdown, it's important to remain focused and use your rudder to keep the aircraft straight, even after you have touched down, to retain control and stability.
If you feel uncomfortable any time during your approach to land, remember it's okay to go around and try again. It's essential to set yourself up for the most stable approach possible, with the go around being the first option.
You will inevitably face landing in a crosswind, so being prepared and having a good understanding of these techniques can improve your odds of a successful crosswind landing.
TEAM Aviation is a flying school based in SEQ specialising in private aviation using modern, safe and advanced Cirrus Aircraft. If you are interested in learning to fly, contact TEAM Aviation to learn more.
