Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

When the wind is blowing across the runway instead of along it, things get more challenging. 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. A runway excursion can quickly follow.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aileron Longitudinal Axis Rudder 52

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. I’ve landed in strong winds enough times that 30 knots can seem routine, as long as it’s reasonably aligned with the runway. Until I was porpoising down the runway like a first-time student. The lower I got, the worse it became.

Knot 98

Knot Crosswind Rudder Runway 98

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

You can only begin improving the touchdown if you’ve mastered positioning your aircraft above the runway threshold correctly. A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. This lets you set the distance between the aircraft and the runway on the downwind leg.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

Fifteen hundred feet past the end of the runway, a pilot was trapped in the cockpit of an Extra NG. You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. ATC rolled the emergency vehicles and cleared her to land straight in on Runway 13, wind 080 at 6 knots, with the wingman flying escort.

Knot 67

Knot Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control 67

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

Fifteen hundred feet past the end of the runway, a pilot was trapped in the cockpit of an Extra NG. You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. ATC rolled the emergency vehicles and cleared her to land straight in on Runway 13, wind 080 at 6 knots, with the wingman flying escort.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

More turns, steep banks, and soon enough I spot her orange kayak in the lake just off the end of runway 9. 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. I make the turn off the runway, another radio call, and I taxi to the pumps.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98