The challenge of crosswinds
Crosswinds occur when the wind direction does not coincide with the runway. For pilots, this means that their aircraft is constantly displaced by the wind on approach. Without countermeasures, the aircraft would drift sideways when touching down, which could put a lot of strain on the landing gear and tyres or even cause structural damage. Special techniques are therefore required to keep the longitudinal axis of the aircraft exactly along the runway axis.
Observe boundaries - technical and personal
Each aircraft type has a maximum verified crosswind component defined in the flight manual. This specification is based on test flights by the manufacturer, but is not necessarily a hard limit. Pilots can also land in stronger winds, but must consider their own experience and the reaction of the insurance company in the event of damage.
More important is the personal limit. Every pilot should honestly assess whether he or she is confident of landing in the current conditions. Factors such as gustiness, training experience and the ability to fly a stabilised final approach are decisive. If you are unsure, take-off is the safer alternative.
The right preparation - calculating and planning
The crosswind component can be calculated even before the approach. Numerous digital aids are available today for this purpose: Avionics systems with an integrated display, flight planning apps or even the classic formula:
Crosswind component = sine (difference between wind direction and path direction) × wind speed.
At an uncontrolled aerodrome, the only option is often to look at the windsock. In any case, it is important to know before the final approach whether the crosswind is within the permitted and personal limits.
Crabbing on the approach
At the beginning of the final approach, the nose of the aircraft is turned slightly into the wind - known as crabbing. Although this causes the aircraft to fly at an oblique lead angle, it remains exactly on the extended runway axis. This image of a "crab-like" aircraft approaching at an angle is typical for crosswind landings.
The wind should already be taken into account when turning into the final approach in order to avoid unnecessary corrections.
From the lead angle into the slip
The crabbing must not be maintained until landing, otherwise the aircraft would touch down pushing sideways. For this reason, the glider must be switched to the slip shortly before the landing.
The pilot lowers the wing facing the wind (windward side) and uses rudder to keep the nose of the aircraft parallel to the track axis. The aileron prevents the aircraft from being displaced sideways by the wind. This creates a stabilised side glide, which enables a clean touchdown.
It is important to note the special features of your own aircraft type: Some aircraft have time limits for slip manoeuvres or react with incorrect speed displays.
Speed and flap deployment
The choice of approach speed is crucial. In steady winds, it remains unchanged; in gusts, half of the gust factor is added. However, speeds that are too high prolong the hovering phase and make the landing less safe, as the aircraft is more strongly influenced by the wind.
The use of landing flaps also requires a sure instinct. The full flap position is not always advisable as it can restrict controllability. Information on this can be found in the flight manual.
Set up and roll out
In the slip, the main landing gear on the windward side touches down first, then the leeward side and finally the nose wheel. During the entire roll-out, ailerons must continue to be applied into the wind to prevent the wing from lifting. The slower the aircraft becomes, the stronger the deflection must be.
The same principle applies to take-off: start with full aileron deflection into the wind, which is gradually reduced as the speed increases.
Practice makes perfect
Crosswind landings cannot be learnt in theory alone. Regular training, even in moderate wind conditions, is crucial to gaining confidence. Practising with flying instructors is particularly valuable as they can hone your technique and timing.
An extraordinary offer can be found in northern Germany at Hungriger Wolf airfield (EDHF): a crosswind simulator enables realistic training under controlled conditions, without risk to material or pilot.
Conclusion
Crosswind landings are not rocket science - but they do require practice, a clear understanding of the technique and a willingness to respect personal limits. Those who train regularly and internalise the procedures described not only gain confidence, but also expand their flying skills. Ultimately, crosswind landings are less of a threat and more of an exciting challenge that has a lasting effect on pilots' skills.
Source references:
Aviation magazine