Crosswind Drag Weather 
Fear of Landing
FEBRUARY 7, 2025
The weather at Leeds was bad with a visibility of 4,000 metres in the rain and mist, a cloud base at 600 feet and scattered cloud at 400 feet. A poster on PPRuNe asked about the landing conditions: Is it pretty much standard for operators of this particular aircraft type in the UK to land in 35 knot crosswinds on 1800m wet runways?
Pilot Institute
MARCH 28, 2025
This horizontal component of lift is called Induced Drag. Its called induced drag since it only exists as a consequence of lift. If youre generating lift, youre stuck with induced drag as well. Increased Drag Moving air around is hard work! What Does the Vortex Strength Depend On?
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Pilot's Life Blog
JANUARY 12, 2025
Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Thrust, produced by the engine, propels the plane forward, overcoming drag, which is the resistance caused by air. These forces must work in harmony to maintain flight stability.
Flying Magazine
APRIL 26, 2024
To demonstrate this magnificent place, I chose horrendously gusty winds by manually editing the weather in both X-Plane 12 (XP12) and MSFS2020. The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. Image: Peter James] Using live weather in my first view patterns was wild enough.
Airspeed Junkie
AUGUST 2, 2024
Several incidents involving the Cessna 172 have been documented, typically attributed to pilot error, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical issues. Other modifications include flap gap seals that reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency, and a nose wheel pant that encloses the lower nose strut for better aerodynamics.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
Weather, field conditions, obstacles, and many other elements greatly affect short field operations. Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Will you need a crosswind correction?
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. A faster, reduced-flaps approach improves aircraft control during strong crosswinds or gusts. If you’re at a field with no weather reporting, gauge the wind speed and direction using the windsock. Several hazards can make soft field operations challenging.
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