Crosswind takeoff technique
Crosswind takeoff roll: wind turns nose into wind and lifts into-wind wing. Counter with rudder and aileron.
Effects of crosswind:
- Weathercocking: more keel surface behind main wheels than ahead. Wind pushes rear harder, nose swings into wind. TP 1102 lists it as a cause of swing on landing or takeoff.
- Into-wind wing wants to rise, two reasons:
- Fuselage shelters downwind wing: into-wind wing gets more wind and more lift.
- Positive dihedral: into-wind wing gets larger angle of attack.
- Sideways push strains landing gear.
Controls:
| Control | Use |
|---|---|
| Rudder | Holds runway centreline. Much greater pressure than normal. |
| Aileron | Into wind, as though turning into wind, holds into-wind wing down. Full deflection as roll begins, reducing as speed builds. Some into-wind aileron still held at lift-off. |
Lift-off and climb:
- Lift off cleanly and positively; do not settle back.
- Settling back after sideways drift side-loads gear. On narrow runway, can carry aircraft off the side.
- Airborne with no chance of settling back: coordinated turn into wind.
- Stop turn and level wings when new heading compensates for drift.
- Hold steady climb on that heading: track stays on runway centreline.
Trap: aileron goes INTO wind to hold wing down, opposite of "bank away from the disturbance" instinct.
References
- TP 1102 (Flight Training Manual) Take-off: Cross-Wind Take-offs