Wings Program Crosswind Takeoffs & Landings Chuck Pinney, CFIG Loss of directional control in takeoff & landings are #2 & #1 in order of aircraft accident frequency Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61-C Sec Supervised pilot-in-command requirements for student pilots. (c)Supervised PIC flight training. In order to perform supervised PIC flight training, a student pilot must have: (2)Demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized flight instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures required by this section in the make and model of aircraft to be flown. (i)Maneuvers and procedures for supervised PIC flight training in a nonpowered glider. A student pilot who is receiving training in a nonpowered glider must receive and log supervised PIC flight training on the following maneuvers and procedures: (2)Launches, including normal and crosswind; (15)Landings, including normal and crosswind;

L sin F rudder F wind F tire Crosswind Takeoff X Y Z F wind F rudder F tow D W L Ailerons: Set angle of bank to keep the aircraft on runway centerline Rudder: Keep fuselage aligned with runway centerline Note: As airspeed increases, less control deflection reqd. Dynamics change at rotation (weight off wheel) F Y = F wind L sin F tire – F rudder = 0 F rudder F wind F tire M Z = – F wind * L w – F tire * L t + F rudder * L r = 0 LrLr LwLw LtLt

Glider Crosswind Takeoff The 3 Phases Phase 1 (both a/c on ground): Maintain upwind wing low & downwind rudder to keep avoid drift and maintain alignment with runway and towplane. Phase 2 (glider airborne, towplane on ground): Crab into wind to avoid drift and maintain ground track in line with runway and towplane. Exercise caution to avoid touchdown in crab. Phase 3 (both a/c airborne): Towplane responsible for crabbing & establishing direction for both craft. Glider assumes normal tow position. a/s w/s g/s

Setting up for Crosswind Landing Factors affecting Crosswind Limits POH –FAR (Careless or Reckless Operation) can be used against you if you operate your aerospace vehicle in excess of the POH demonstrated crosswind component. Rules of thumb: handle 90-deg wind > 0.20 Vso; dont fly when >0.65 Vs1 Aircraft handling qualities Aileron & rudder authority Wingspan Runway Coefficient (wet or snow-covered) Pilot skill / proficiency Rules of Thumb for Crosswinds Wind sock –Stiff: 15 kts –45 deg: 7-8 kts Crosswind component –Wind 30 deg off nose: xwind component = ½ tot wind –45 deg: 2/3 –60 deg: 3/4 Alternatives Different runway Land diagonally (runway crown? – watch swerve) Divert Wait Dont fly Better to use your superior judgment to select a runway aligned with the wind than to count on using superior skill to land in a strong crosswind

Crosswind Landing Technique Establish wind correction angle for drift-free ground track. Rudder kick in flare to align with runway +Coordinated flight +May be necessary for higher cross-winds -Precise timing required for rudder kick – early: drift; late: side loads Objectives +Longitudinally aligned with centerline w/o drift +Avoid side loads to landing gear + Maintain safe handling, airspeeds & rate of descent Downwind rudder to align nose w/centerline, ailerons into wind to offset drift, forward elevator to maintain proper airspeed +Ensures proper alignment for touchdown -Cross-controlling unnatural & uncomfortable for passengers -Airspeed inacurrate / higher airspeed Recommendation: Initiate final approach with Crab Method and transition to Wing Low (Sideslip) Method prior to touch down. Follow-through with Wing Low until stopped; anticipate swerve at stop. Get instruction – Practice at altitude, then takeoff/land in mild crosswinds