XIV.A.

Crosswind Approach and Landing___________________________________________

References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. AC 61-21 (Flight Training Handbook) pg. 106
3. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-11
4. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-18 / 2-18
5. Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
6. FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual

Objective To develop the students understanding of Cross Wind Approach and Landing as it pertains to
aviation.

Elements 1. Performance Planning

2. Approach Phase
3. Crab Method
4. Wing Low Method
5. Flare, Touch Down, and Roll Out

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. FTH
3. POH
4. Private PTS
5. Commercial PTS
6. Model Airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the elements
Standards related to Cross Wind Approach and Landing.

XIV. A. Crosswind Approach and Landing

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Instructor’s Notes: Crosswind Approach and Landing_________________________________
INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? –Cross Wind Approach and Landing refers to a technique used to land an airplane with wind not aligned
with the runway. This requires a little more skill than a no wind or direct head wind landing. Essentially a
crosswind landing is a technique that applies to all landing where the wind is not aligned with the runway. The
technique should be applied to normal, short, and soft field approaches and landing.

WHY? –Many runways or landing areas are such that landings must be made while the wind is blowing across
rather than parallel to the landing direction. Therefore, all pilots should be prepared to cope with these situations
when they arise.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Cross Wind Approach and Landing,
including:
1. Performance Planning
2. Approach Phase
3. Crab Method
4. Wing Low Method
5. Flare, Touch Down, and Roll Out

DEVELOPMENT:

HOW?
1.) Performance Planning
A.) Determination of landing performance is based on information found in the POH
1. At a minimum, runway lengths must be verified to be adequate
B.) If obstructions or runway length is a consideration then use Short Field effort also
C.) If field is not paved then use Soft Field also
D.) An effort should be made prior to entering the traffic pattern as to current wind at the airport
1. Use this information to apply proper crab angles into the wind in the pattern
2.) Approach Phase
A.) The approach in the cross wind landing use the same procedures as in any other landing
B.) Only consideration is the need to maintain crab in the down wind, base, and final segments
3.) Crab Method
A.) Establish heading toward wind with wings level
B.) Maintain ground track alignment with centerline
C.) Just prior to touchdown quickly align longitudinal axis with runway
1. Avoid side load
D.) If long final, use crab method until just before roundout, then use wing low
4.) Wing Low Method
A.) Wing Low Method is really a side slip
B.) Use bank to maintain track on centerline
1. Use ailerons to lower upwind wing
a) This causes airplane to turn
C.) Use rudder to maintain alignment with runway
1. Hold alignment with runway centerline with rudder
a) As wind speed rises,
(1) The wing must be lowered more
(2) The rudder must be deflected more to offset turning tendency
(3) Eventually rudder hits its limit and new runway must be selected
5.) Flare, Touch Down, and Roll Out
A.) Flare
1. Maintain wing low through flare
2. As airspeed decreases it is necessary to increase control deflection
3. Do not level the wings as this will cause drift and side loads
XIV. A. Crosswind Approach and Landing
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 B.) Touch Down
1. Up wind main wheel should touch down first
2. Ensure airplane does not drift during touchdown
3. Determine prior to flight if nose wheel steering disconnects in flight
a) During wing low method, ample rudder is applied and it would be dangerous if nose wheel
turned also
C.) Roll Out
1. Attention must be given to controlling the aircraft once on the ground
2. As airplane slows down the airspeed decreases causing
a) Control surfaces to be less effective
(1) The aileron control must be gradually increased into the wind until full deflection
b) Relative wind becomes more of a cross wind exerting a greater lifting force on up wind wing
3. Weathervaning tendency
a) More pronounced in Tail wheel airplanes due to more profile behind pivot point (Main wheels)
4. Maintain proper wind correction through out roll out and taxi
a) Essentially you must “fly” the plane to the ramp.

CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. Performance Planning
2. Approach Phase
3. Crab Method
4. Wing Low Method
5. Flare, Touch Down, and Roll Out

PRIVATE PTS
1. Knowledge of elements related to normal and crosswind landing
2. Considers wind conditions
3. Approach at recommended speed or 1.3 Vso +10/-5 Kts with Gust Factor
4. Touches down with no drift and aligned with and over runway centerline
5. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout approach and landing

COMMERCIAL PTS
1. Knowledge of elements related to normal and crosswind landing
2. Considers wind conditions
3. Approach at recommended speed +/-5 Kts with Gust Factor
4. Touches down with no drift and aligned with and over runway centerline
5. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout approach and landing

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding of Cross Wind Approach and Landing.

XIV. A. Crosswind Approach and Landing

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