Aileron Crosswind Turbulence 
Pilot Institute
MARCH 28, 2025
By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence. Wake turbulence can cause severe roll and structural damage to smaller aircraft. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
At first glance, ailerons look like ordinary hinged panels on the wings, but don’t be fooledthey’re important for keeping an aircraft both stable and maneuverable. These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. What Is an Aileron?
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Flying Magazine
APRIL 26, 2024
The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. Landing was wild, leading to the aircraft’s big wings striking the ground at times in the crosswinds approaching 35 knots. By neutralizing the yoke, I lost the ability to steer and attack whatever crosswind component was evident.
Plane and Pilot
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
On the walkaround, you doubtlessly noted the full-span flaperons (flaps plus ailerons as one unit). pounds per square foot—makes the RV-12 a little” busy” in turbulence, though some of that is attributed to a lack of inertia in roll. Right until liftoff, takeoffs are fairly uneventful. Modest wing loading—10.4
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 4, 2024
When I was working on my PPL, I learned crosswind landings proficiently, plenty good enough for the check ride, but we never had an ugly, gusty, strong crosswind landing day. I was telling him how I had just made a whole series of beautiful, one-wheel, crosswind landings. He looked puzzled. Why might that be? Hopefully not.
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
Once there, he put us in a slight right turn toward our first fuel stop 60 miles ahead, continuously fighting the stick as the gusting left crosswind did its best to push us off course. Wilkins guided the craft along the invisible roller coaster, working to keep the wings level while maintaining a crab as the Cub climbed the first 500 feet.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 16, 2024
If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique. Explain what aircraft input you will require to land the aircraft in the crosswind. For example, the crosswind is from left to right. This will reduce your workload in turbulent conditions.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
97 
Let's personalize your content