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Mastering Crosswind Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to confidently master crosswind landings. Key Takeaways Manage crosswind landing challenges using the crab and sideslip techniques. Plan for crosswind conditions with step-by-step procedures. A headwind lowers groundspeed , making landing easier.

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How to fly a rectangular course

Flight Training Central

The entry into the maneuver should be accomplished downwind as you would enter the traffic pattern where groundspeed will be the greatest. The turn from the downwind leg onto the base leg is entered with a relatively steep bank angle since the groundspeed is greatest.

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Managing the wind

Air Facts

It was fun doing over 200 knots groundspeed over Rawlings until I realized a solid wall of thunderstorms had formed between me and home, and there were 35 knot winds below. Several times I’ve landed smoothly in a strong crosswind, then had trouble keeping the airplane on the runway. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind.

Knot 75
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How to Improve Your Landings

Pilot Institute

A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. Flying the Base Leg All aircraft land into the wind, so the base leg usually involves some crosswind. The crosswind can push you out and mess up your glidepath if you’re not careful. Landing in a crosswind?

Descent 52
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Too Much of a Good Thing

Plane and Pilot

You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. The plane was high and very fast, crossing the airport boundary at 200 feet and 165 knots groundspeed. So, still about 60-65 degrees, so we’re getting some help out to ya. So just hang in there.” “I I had too much speed. I should have come in slower.”

Knot 87
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Too Much of a Good Thing

Plane and Pilot

You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. The plane was high and very fast, crossing the airport boundary at 200 feet and 165 knots groundspeed. So, still about 60-65 degrees, so we’re getting some help out to ya. So just hang in there.” “I I had too much speed. I should have come in slower.”

Knot 52
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A fun fuel run

Air Facts

My Sonex cruises about 130 mph at this power setting, but headed southeast into the wind I am losing an easy 15 mph on my groundspeed. A cruise climb as I make my crosswind turn, then downwind, more radio calls on the way. My groundspeed is 150 mph and ahead of me the sunlight streams in Jacob’s Ladder’s from the clouds.

Runway 75