Crosswind Approach and Landing
Chapter 13.9
Preparation
The position of the flaps recommended for crosswind landing is given in the AFM.
To perform a safe crosswind landing, you must first familiarize yourself with the theory.
Correction of Crosswind by Turning on Final Approach
While turning FINAL, you make a major change in direction (90 degree turn), resulting in a change of headwind and crosswind components.
- The WIND CORRECTION ANGLE (WCA) in FINAL must be estimatedagain before the final turn.
Crosswind Compensation in Final Approach
Flying crab on FINAL
Compensation of the crosswind component in FINAL is done by crabing into the wind with a value equal to the WIND CORRECTION ANGLE / WCA.
In the FINAL, the airplane’s flight path must align with the runway centreline, and the position of the rudder remains neutral.
Reaction to changes in wind speed
As a general rule, the wind speed and its heading decrease near the ground. This will be taken into account by adapting the WCA adequately.
Flaring and Landing in Crosswind
Alignment of the Aircraft’s Longitudinal Axis with the Runway Axis
To avoid skidding upon landing, the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, the movement of the aircraft and the center line of the runway must match at the moment of touch down.
This is achieved through the following procedure: After the GATE, align the aircraft’s longitudinal axis with the rudder.
To prevent drift apply moderate aileron into the wind. This results in the aeroplane sideslipping into the wind at a rate that cancels out the drift.
Flaring and Landing in Crosswind
Summary of the procedure:
Left crosswind:
Right crosswind:
Push the aileron control to the left (bank the aircraft to the left), push the rudder pedal to the right.
Push the aileron control to the right (bank the aircraft to the right), push the rudder pedal to the left.
The flare-out is flown in this wing-down attitude and the landing made on the windward wheel first. After landing you continue holding the airlerons into the wind to avoid the wingward wing from lifting.