Crosswind Landings Strategies for Success On Technique: Wing-low, or Cross-Controlled Wing-low, or Cross-Controlled Advantages: •Nose always pointed down runway. •Aileron controls L/R drift on final. •Control inputs can change relative to wind effect. Wing-low, or Cross-Controlled Disdvantages: •Drift controlled with aileron, heading with rudder—opposite! •When low and slow, this can be problematic. •Uncomfortable for passengers/crew (slip). On Technique: Crab Crab Advantages: •Always tracking runway with little correction for drift needed. •Easy on passengers and crew. •Controls are relatively neutral at low airspeeds, making a go-around easier. Crab Disadvantages: •Difficulty occurs at touchdown—crab must be released and wing-low must be established simultaneously. •Side-loading of landing gear is possible if timing is off! •Flare timing is key. Operational Considerations: Airspeed •~1.3x Vso affords greater control authority. •Gust Factor—winds 15g25= Gust Factor of 10. Add half the gust factor to approach speed (5kts). Operational Considerations: Flaps •Headwind factor reduces airspeed. •Consider using no flaps, or flaps 100 •Flaps allow flight at lower airspeeds, but at the increase in drag. •C182 at full flaps requires much higher power settings. CAP Regulation 60-1 2-1. Basic Rules. p. The maximum crosswind limit for operating CAP aircraft is that which is stated in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) as the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity or 15 knots if the POH does not specify a limit. Now ask yourself… “When was the last time the winds remained the same after flying all day?” Train for crosswinds and operate to advantage. References CAPR 60-1 (2011). CAP Flight Management. Kershner, W.K. (2001). The Student Pilot’s Flight Manual. 9th ed. Iowa State University Press. Rossier, Robert N. Crosswind Landings. From AOPA Flight Training. Retrieved from www.flighttraining.aopa.org/students/solo/skills/crosswind.html on March 1, 2012. US Department of Transportation (2004). Airplane Flying Handbook. FAA-H-8083-3A Federal Aviation Administration.