Crosswind Landing

T-34C CONTACT

CHAPTER SEVEN

ii.

Undershooting crosswind

(a)

Power settings may be higher than normal after the 180 position due to a

slower ground speed requiring a reduced rate of descent

(b)

AOB will be steeper during first part of approach and will shallow

approaching the 90 position. Adjust AOB as necessary (30 AOB

maximum) to intercept landing line.

Common Errors

Not recognizing when a crosswind exists.

Not establishing proper technique quickly enough.

709.

CROSSWIND LANDING

Description. Compensate for crosswinds and land smoothly on the main mount at the

intended point of landing on runway centerline.

General. There are several ways of executing a crosswind landing. However, only one is

utilized in the primary flight training program - the wing-low, top rudder, or slip method.

The wing-low, top rudder method will compensate for wind from any direction. It permits

you to keep the longitudinal axis aligned with the runway throughout the final

straightaway, landing transition, touchdown, and roll-out. This allows you to utilize the

same visual reference for the landing transition, since it is very similar to the normal

landing transition, and provides an automatic crosswind correction during the landing

transition, touchdown and landing.

Generally, the landing transition can be made as in a normal landing approach, but the

application of a crosswind correction must be continued as necessary to prevent drifting.

Since the airspeed decreases as the flare progresses, the flight controls gradually become

less effective; as a result, the crosswind correction being held would become inadequate.

When using the wing-low method then, it is necessary to gradually increase the deflection

of the rudder and ailerons to maintain the proper amount of drift correction.

Do not level the wings; keep the upwind wing down throughout the flare. If the wings are

leveled, the airplane will begin drifting and the touchdown will occur while drifting.

Remember, the primary objective is to land the airplane without subjecting it to any side

loads, which result from touching down while drifting, and to prevent ground looping while

the landing is being accomplished.

Upon intercepting the landing line, level the wings and hold the aircraft in balanced flight

with its longitudinal axis aligned with the landing line. Quickly observe the magnitude of

the drift and immediately establish the proper drift correction by lowering the upwind wing

to stop the drift. At the same time, coordinate opposite (top) rudder to keep the nose of the

FLIGHT PROCEDURES 6-27