by Nexus » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:05 pm
Well, when conducting an approach in crosswinds, there are 2 techniques which are good to know when landing heavy jets.
The crab crosswind technique
The objective is to maintain wings level thorughout the approach, touchdown and landing roll
On final approach a crab angle is established with wings level to hold the aircraft on the desired course. Application of downwind rudder is started prior to touchdown to eliminate the crab and align the aircraft with the runway centreline.
As rudder is applied, the upwind wing will sweep forward, developing roll. Hold the wings level by application of lateral control into the wind. Touchdown is made with cross control
Note: On very slippery runways, it is wise to maintain the crab angle until you touchdown, this will reduce drift toward downwind side of the runway.
There is also the sideslip technique
The sideslip technique aligns the aircraft with the extended runway centreline. The initial phase of the approach is flown in the crab config to correct the winddrift. Prior to the flare, the AIRCRAFT centreline is aligned on - or parallel to the RUNWAY centreline. Downwind rudder is used to align the longitudinal axis to the desired track as aileron is applied into the wind to prevent drift. A sideslip is established - opposite rudder and low wing into the wind to hold desired course.
You touchdown with the upwind wheels first, shortly followed by the upwind wheels.
