Crosswind landings: techniques and radio calls explained

Crosswind landings are one of the most challenging skills for student pilots to master. They require precise control, good judgment, and clear communication with ATC when conditions exceed your limits.

This guide covers both the flying techniques and the radio communications specific to crosswind situations.

Understanding crosswind components

Direct crosswind

Wind perpendicular to the runway (90°) is a direct crosswind.

Example: - Runway: 27 (270°) - Wind: 180° at 15 knots - Crosswind component: 15 knots

Crosswind component formula

Most student pilots use the crosswind component chart in the POH, but here's the quick mental math:

For 45° off runway heading: Crosswind = 70% of wind speed For 30° off runway heading: Crosswind = 50% of wind speed For 60° off runway heading: Crosswind = 85% of wind speed

Know your limits

Check your aircraft POH for: - Demonstrated crosswind component - Maximum crosswind component

Important: "Demonstrated" doesn't mean "maximum safe." It's just what was tested during certification.

Personal minimums

As a student or new pilot, set conservative personal minimums: - Solo: 5-8 knots crosswind max - Dual: 10-12 knots crosswind max - After PPL with experience: Gradually increase to aircraft limits

Crosswind landing techniques

Method 1: Crab approach with side-slip in flare

On final: - Point nose into wind (crab angle) - Track centerline - Maintain coordinated flight

Just before touchdown: - Kick out crab with rudder - Lower upwind wing with aileron - Touch down on upwind wheel first

Advantages: - Easier to maintain centerline - More comfortable for passengers - Less control input until the end

Method 2: Side-slip entire approach

From base to touchdown: - Lower upwind wing with aileron - Apply opposite rudder to track centerline - Hold this cross-control throughout - Touch down on upwind wheel first

Advantages: - Already in landing configuration - Less transition at touchdown - Good feel for the wing

Most pilots use a hybrid: crab on approach, transition to side-slip on short final.

Step-by-step crosswind landing

1. On downwind

Get wind information and calculate crosswind component.

2. Base to final turn

Expect wind drift. You may need a tighter turn if turning into the wind, or a wider turn if turning downwind.

3. Final approach

Establish crab: - Point nose into wind - Track centerline with ground track - Monitor drift - adjust crab angle as needed

4. Short final (200-100 feet)

Transition to side-slip: - Lower upwind wing (aileron into wind) - Apply opposite rudder to align with centerline - Maintain these cross-controls

5. Flare and touchdown

• Continue side-slip
• Flare normally
• Touch upwind main wheel first
• Then downwind wheel
• Then nose wheel

6. Rollout

Critical: Keep controls deflected! - Full aileron into the wind - Rudder to track centerline - Gradually increase aileron deflection as you slow

Don't relax controls until you've exited the runway.

Communicating with ATC about crosswinds

Getting wind information

At towered airports, Tower provides winds:

"Cessna 34 Bravo, runway 27, wind 200 at 15, gusts 22, cleared to land."

Calculate quickly: This is about 12-15 knot crosswind with gusts to 18 knots.

Requesting runway change

If crosswind exceeds your limits:

You: "Oakland Tower, Cessna 34 Bravo, request runway 21 due to crosswind."

Tower: "Cessna 34 Bravo, break off approach, fly heading 090, will sequence you for runway 21."

You: "Heading 090, sequence for runway 21, Cessna 34 Bravo."

Requesting go-around

If you're uncomfortable on approach:

You: "Oakland Tower, Cessna 34 Bravo is going around."

Tower: "Cessna 34 Bravo, roger, fly runway heading, climb and maintain 2,000."

You: "Runway heading, two thousand, Cessna 34 Bravo."

Remember: You don't need to explain why. "Going around" is sufficient. Safety first.

At non-towered airports

Announce your intentions:

"Livermore Traffic, Cessna 34 Bravo going around from runway 25 due to crosswind, will re-enter left downwind, Livermore."

This helps other traffic understand your plans.

When to go around

Definite go-around situations:

1. Drift on final you can't correct
2. Excessive bank (more than 10-15° in flare)
3. Not aligned with centerline below 50 feet
4. Floating or bouncing on touchdown
5. Control limits reached and still drifting

The 50-foot check

At 50 feet AGL, ask yourself: - Am I aligned with the centerline? - Am I in control? - Am I comfortable?

If the answer to ANY is "no," go around.

Common crosswind mistakes

Mistake #1: Landing downwind

Some pilots request the "calmer" runway with a tailwind to avoid crosswind.

Don't do this. Tailwind landings are more dangerous than crosswinds.

Mistake #2: Relaxing controls after touchdown

The landing isn't over until you're clear of the runway.

Keep those controls deflected!

Mistake #3: Not using full deflection

Timid control inputs don't work in crosswinds.

Use full aileron into the wind during rollout.

Mistake #4: Drifting off centerline

Crosswind landings require tracking the centerline precisely.

Practice makes perfect.

Mistake #5: Flying beyond personal limits

There's no shame in diverting to an airport with a more favorable runway.

Communicating a diversion

If you decide crosswinds are too strong:

You: "Oakland Tower, Cessna 34 Bravo, request diversion to Hayward due to crosswind limits."

Tower: "Cessna 34 Bravo, approved as requested, contact NorCal Approach 120.9."

You: "NorCal 120.9, Cessna 34 Bravo."

Practice strategies

1. Start in light crosswinds

Don't wait for heavy crosswinds to practice. Build skills gradually.

2. Talk through it

Verbalize your corrections: "Left wing down, right rudder, hold centerline."

3. Fly with a CFI in challenging conditions

When winds are up, grab a CFI and practice.

4. Use simulators and apps

Apps like ATC One let you practice radio calls for go-arounds and runway changes before you need them in real flight.

5. Chair fly

Sit and practice control movements for crosswind correction.

Conclusion

Crosswind landings are a skill that takes time to develop. Every pilot—from student to ATP—continues refining this technique throughout their career.

Key takeaways: - Know your limits (aircraft and personal) - Use proper technique (crab then side-slip) - Don't hesitate to go around - Communicate clearly with ATC

With practice and good judgment, crosswind landings become just another routine part of flying.

Action item: On your next flight, specifically practice crosswind landings in 5-10 knot crosswinds with your CFI. Master the basics before attempting stronger winds.