Pilot's tip of the week

Crosswind Landing Technique

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Subscriber question:

"What is the best and more importantly, the safest method for crosswind landings - slip, crab or a combo of the two?" - Don J.

Bob:

Crosswind landing“The best method, in my opinion, is a combination of a crab on short final with a transition to a side slip in the landing flare. The side slip allows the pilot to align the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with the runway centerline, preventing side loading of the landing gear.

Practical test standards for both private and commercial require that the longitudinal axis of the aircraft be aligned with the centerline of the runway – this can only be accomplish using a side slip.

To do good crosswind landings requires practice. Start with gentle crosswinds (approximately 5 knots) until you develop your technique. Also, make a point of practicing crosswinds from both sides. Some pilots become very good handling crosswinds from one side or the other only because their home airport has prevailing winds from one side only. Seek out opportunities to practice crosswinds from both sides.”

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #76 “My Grandmother Came This Way” is now available. Did you ever dream of flying airplanes in the Golden Age? You know: No radios, no GPS, no moving maps, no datalink weather, limited forecasting abilities, and reliance on a stopwatch plus your eyeballs to find an airport before you ran out of gas. Yeah, us too. Watch the Intro video.

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