Crosswinds

Crosswinds are winds that have a significant component perpendicular to the direction of travel of an aircraft, vehicle, or vessel. In aviation, the crosswind component is the portion of wind that pushes the airplane sideways relative to the runway during takeoff or landing. The size of the crosswind component depends on the wind direction relative to the runway centerline; a larger angle produces a larger crosswind. Wind gusts can temporarily increase the effective crosswind even if the steady wind is moderate.

In practical terms, pilots consider crosswind limits published for each aircraft, which vary with weight, configuration, and runway conditions. High crosswinds raise the risk of runway excursions and can increase landing distances. Crosswinds are often reported as a crosswind component and a gust factor, and pilots monitor these values when planning approaches and choosing runways.

Handling techniques include methods such as the crab approach, where the aircraft nose points into the wind to maintain runway alignment during the approach, and the wing-low sideslip technique, where the lower wing is kept into the wind with opposite rudder to counter drift during the final phase of landing. In some cases, a decrab maneuver is performed just before touchdown to align the aircraft with the runway. Proper rudder, aileron coordination, and precise speed control are essential for stability in crosswinds.

Crosswinds are influenced by weather patterns, terrain, and atmospheric stability, and can vary with gusts and wind shear. They are routinely forecast and observed by meteorological services, air traffic control, and pilots to inform runway selection and flight operations.