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Crosswind Technique

There is much discussion about proper crosswind technique.  There is only one method that the FAA sanctions for flight training:  the wing-low method.  Read the associated article Knowing the Winds.

How to use the wing-low method
The pilot aligns the airplane's heading with the centerline of the runway, notes the rate and direction of drift, then promptly applies drift correction by lowering the upwind wing.  The amount that the upwind wing must be lowered depends on the rate of drift. 

When the wing is lowered, the airplane will tend to turn in that direction.  Given this, it is necessary to apply sufficient rudder pressure to oppose the turn and keep the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the runway.  Drift is controlled with aileron, and the heading with rudder.  When you run out of aileron control, then you've exceeded the crosswind capabilities of the aircraft. 

If you run out of aileron control using the wing-low method, chose another runway or airport.  You'll know whether the winds are too strong on final.  You dont have this kind of advance warning with the crab method because you only know if the winds are too strong at the last second when you "kick out the crab" prior to touchdown.

So where did the crab method come from?  The crab method is used in aircraft with swept back wings.  If you'd use the wing low method in a 737, then you'd probably scrape the upwind wing tip on the runway.  See the Malaysian Airlines 747 trying to use the wing-low method of crosswind control and notice that the starboard engines scrap the ground.   As advertised above, prior to touchdown, the pilot must kick out the crab to straighten the aircraft just prior to touchdown.  What happens during strong crosswinds?  Well a 737 is able to handle much higher crosswinds than the 15-17knot max demonstrated crosswind of the typical trainer.  

Ground Operations
During your ground roll, be sure you increase your amount of aileron crosswind correction.   If you dont maintain directional control with rudder and control the ailerons properly, you're likely to tip or skid.

Cross Wind Technique - Tips

• To use the wing low method, the pilot aligns the airplane's heading with the center-line of the runway, notes the rate and direction of drift, then promptly applies drift correction by lowering the upwind wing.
• The amount the wing must be lowered depends on the rate of drift. When the wing is lowered, the airplane will tend to turn in that direction.
• It is necessary, then, to simultaneously apply sufficient opposite rudder pressure to prevent the turn and keep the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the runway.
• In other words, the drift is controlled with aileron, and the heading with rudder. 
• The airplane will now be side slipping into the wind just enough that both the resultant flightpath and the ground track are aligned with the runway.
• If the crosswind diminishes, this crosswind correction must be reduced accordingly or the airplane will begin slipping away from the desired path.

Strong crosswind

• To correct for very strong crosswind, the slip into the wind must be increased by lowering the upwind wing a considerable amount.
• As a consequence, this would result in a greater tendency of the airplane to turn.
• Since turning is not desired, considerable opposite rudder must be applied to keep the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the runway.
• In some airplanes, there may not be sufficient rudder travel available to compensate for the strong turning tendency caused by the steep bank.
• If the required bank is so steep that full opposite rudder will not prevent a turn, the wind is too strong to safely land the airplane on that particular runway with those wind conditions.
• Since the airplane's capability would be exceeded, it is imperative that the landing be made on a more favourable runway either at that airport or at an alternate airport. 

• Special attention must be given to maintaining directional control by use of rudder, or nosewheel/tailwheel steering, while keeping the upwind wing from rising by use of aileron.
• When an airplane is airborne it moves with the air mass in which it is flying regardless of the airplane's heading and speed.
• However, when an airplane is on the ground it is unable to move with the air mass (crosswind) because of the resistance created by ground friction on the wheels.

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