Category: Fixed-Wing Studies

Crosswind Landing: Learning The Basics in Small Aircraft

Crosswind conditions increase the risk of the landing, and as a student pilot, it is imperative that you become very comfortable with a crosswind landing. You never know when the wind will become greater than expected, and you need to be prepared for all circumstances.

“A crosswind landing is a landing maneuver in which a significant component of the prevailing wind is perpendicular to the runway center line.”

As a student pilot, crosswind landings are very important to learn, so do not avoid crosswinds landings. A good instructor will take advantage of crosswind conditions to teach his or her student the proper techniques. Practice makes perfect, therefore as a student your instructor should be looking for opportunities to train you in the techniques of crosswind landings. There is no other way to become comfortable than to make landings in crosswinds.

“A crosswind landing starts with proper alignment of the aircraft with the runaway.”

As the aircraft approaches the ground, the pilot should be prepared to make needed corrections (alignment with the runway) depending upon the strength of the opposing winds.

There are two ways to perform crosswind landings. The first technique is the “crab landing”. Crabbing is a technique used to head the nose of the aircraft into the wind while keeping the track of the aircraft aligned with the runway. During the crab, the heading of the aircraft will not be aligned with the runway (aircraft nose will point into the wind), but the direction of the aircraft will be in alignment with the runway.

A quick strong force (side-load) imposed on the landing gear during a crosswind landing could cause damage to the landing gear and result in the loss of the control of the aircraft. It is not wise to land (touch down) the aircraft sideways (pointing into the wind while tracking with the runway) without landing gear capable of pivoting to align with the runway.

Therefore it is necessary for the pilot to align the aircraft with the direction of runway (landing the plane in straight alignment with the runway) prior to touchdown.

The other popular crosswind landing method is the “slip”, which requires greater skill compared to the crab. During a slip the pilot uses the rudder, to align the nose of the aircraft with the center of the runway, and using the aileron to correct the airplane’s drift to align with the runway center line.

The amount of aileron and rudder required will be dependent upon the strength and change of the wind. There could be a lot of adjustments as you approach touchdown. After landing the student pilot will continue to use the ailerons into the wind and keep working the rudders to maintain a straight track down the runway.

Light Aircraft in Strong Crosswind Landings HD

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Cessna 172 Skyhawk

Cessna 172 Skyhawk

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk Is a high wing, single-engine aircraft that seats four. The first 172 was flown in 1955. More Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft. The Cessna 172 is considered the most successful aircraft in history. as of 2012 more than 60,000 172s have been produced. the Cessna 172 is Typically powered by 1 × Lycoming IO-360-L2A four cylinder, horizontally opposed aircraft engine, 160 hp. The 172 has a range of 881 Miles.

With more than 43,000 aircraft made, the Skyhawk is the best-selling, most-flown plane ever built. It also enjoys a distinguished reputation as the safest general aviation aircraft available. The Skyhawk is a top performer, showcasing the agility, stability, and durable strength that Cessna is famous for.

Range, payload, and versatility that you’d expect from a larger aircraft. Ergonomics that keep a pilot alert and focused for the duration of a long flight. Advanced avionics technology (glass cockpit with Garmin navigation) for ease of operation and enhanced safety.

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Cessna 182 Skylane

The Cessna 182 Skylane is a single piston engine, 4 seat airplane. The 182 was first introduced by Cessna in 1956 and since that time, has had a variety of additional models and variants released. The 182 is Cessna’s second most popular airplane model after the 172. Starting in 1978 and going until 1986, a retractable gear Skylane was offered with and without turbocharging engines. The 182 is typically powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 230 hp (172 kW) engine and a 3-bladed constant speed propeller. The top speed of the 182 is 173 mph.

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Looking for Airplane Pilot Careers?

Upper Limit Aviation (ULA) is a professional flight school for student pilots aspiring to launch their airplane pilot careers. Deciding on a career as a commercial pilot is a life-changing decision.  Do you dream of flying for a living?  Do you enjoy traveling and realtime adventure?  If you are exploring the possibilities of a professional pilot career or simply want to earn your Private Pilot’s License, ULA is the place to start your journey.

A twin engine aircraft that a pilot might fly in many airplane pilot careers.

As per the U.S. Board of Labor Statistics, between 2010 and 2020, the number of jobs for airline and commercial pilots is expected to grow by 11% per year. (www.bls.gov). Globally, aviation is experiencing significant growth with over 8.3 million people working directly in the aviation industry.

Upper Limit Aviation is More Than a Flight School – We Launch People into Careers

There are two powerful reasons why today is the right time for you to pursue fixed wing piloting career.  One, there are employers looking for experienced well-trained pilots. Good pilots are in demand worldwide.  Two, flying airplanes for a living is your lifelong dream.  It is your passion. You know in your heart that flying airplanes is what you were born to do.  What are you waiting for?  The obstacles, to becoming a commercial pilot, will not go away. Let us help you find a way to navigate through the obstacles and find the way to fulfilling your dream. Upper Limit Aviation is one of the top flight training programs in the US.  For more information about flight school training call 844-iFLYEDU today!

Fixed-wing careers with annual salaries ranging from $22,000 to $200,000
  • CFI
  • Airline
  • Charter
  • Corporate
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Cargo Transport
  • Movies and Film
  • Search and Rescue
  • Law Enforcement (Local/Hwy PD, CIA, FBI)
  • FAA
  • Tours and Sight Seeing
  • Oil and Gas Industry Transport
  • USFS – BLM Transportation – Firefighting, Game Control, Capture and Count
  • Environmental Projects
  • Reclamation Projects
  • Agricultural Pilot / Crop Dusting
  • Alaskan Bush Pilot
  • Sky Diving Pilot
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You can get started today by filling out our online application. If you would like more information, you can call us at (801) 596-7722.

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