Crosswind Approach and Landing
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a crosswind approach and landing, and rejected approach and landing procedures
  • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant's knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM
  • Note, there is no callout to crosswind approach and landing in the airman certification standards
    • Instead, it is a normal approach and landing with the introduction of crosswind applications

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions set conditions which developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Crosswind approaches and landings are extentions of normal procedures/maneuvers [Figure 1]
  • The purpose of this maneuver is to safely execute a approach and landing under crosswind conditions (i.e., hard surface, minimal wind, plenty of available landing distance)
  • Crosswind approaches and landings are closely related to the performance of flight at minimum controllable airspeeds

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Crosswind Approach and Landing:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

  • Complete assigned reading (see content above)
  • Ask pertinent questions

Completion Standards:

  • Crosswind Approach and Landing Airman Certification Standards:

    • Note, there is no callout to crosswind approach and landing in the airman certification standards
      • Instead, it is a crosswind approach and landing with the introduction of crosswind applications
    • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a Crosswind Approach and landing with emphasis on proper use of flight controls
    • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant's knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing
    • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM

    Crosswind Approach and Landing Knowledge:

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:
    • PA.IV.B.K1:
      A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts
    • PA.IV.B.K2:
      Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance
    • PA.IV.B.K3:
      Wind correction techniques on approach and landing

    Crosswind Approach and Landing Risk Management:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:
    • PA.IV.B.R1:
      Selection of runway or approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind
    • PA.IV.B.R2:
      Effects of:
    • PA.IV.B.R3:
      Planning for:
    • PA.IV.B.R4:
      Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, vessels, persons, and wildlife
    • PA.IV.B.R5:
      Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT
    • PA.IV.B.R6:
      Distractions, loss of situational awareness, incorrect airport surface approach and landing, or improper task management

    Crosswind Approach and Landing Skills:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to:
    • PA.IV.B.S1:
      Complete the appropriate checklist
    • PA.IV.B.S2:
      Make radio calls as appropriate
    • PA.IV.B.S3:
      Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway or landing surface
    • PA.IV.B.S4:
      Scan runway or landing surface and the adjoining area for traffic and obstructions
    • PA.IV.B.S5:
      Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions
    • PA.IV.B.S6:
      Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach
    • PA.IV.B.S7:
      Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied
    • PA.IV.B.S8:
      Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing
    • PA.IV.B.S9:
      Make smooth, timely, and correct control application during round out and touchdown
    • PA.IV.B.S10:
      Touch down at a proper pitch attitude, within 400 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center/landing path
    • PA.IV.B.S11:
      Execute a timely go-around if the approach cannot be made within the tolerances specified above or for any other condition that may result in an unsafe approach or landing
    • PA.IV.B.S12:
      Utilize runway incursion avoidance procedures procedures

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson