Aircraft Landing in a Cross Wind

Note:

We start with the presumption that the environment provides us with a significant cross wind.  This procedure is executed just after the turn from base leg to final leg.

Note:

You need to avoid “low and/or slow” configurations.

Note:

You have to be ready to hand gusts of wind.

Note:

If the outcome of the landing is at any time unsure, immediately execute the Balked Landing Procedure (Go-Around).

1.

Initially on the final leg of the pattern you approach as a normal landing.  If cross winds exist, you will need to crab into the wind to fly over the extended centerline of the runway.  Furthermore, if the wind is gusty, you may elect to land with flaps set for 20^o of deflection.

2.

From this point to near the threshold, the approach should proceed as a normal approach with a crab into the wind. 

3.

At about 40-50 feet AGL, use ailerons to control the aircraft so that it flies over the extended centerline and the rudder to keep the aircraft’s direction of motion parallel with the extended centerline of the runway. 

4.

Continue this procedure to landing.  You may find that in strong cross winds, one of the main landing gear wheels may touch down before the other. 

5.

As you are rolling out, increase the deflection of the ailerons until you are rolling slowly on the runway and ailerons are fully deflected. 

5a.

Maintain directional control using the aircraft’s rudder.