How to do a CROSSWIND LANDING in a Boeing 737NG

Summary

In this Mentour video podcast, the focus is on crosswind landings, a challenging aspect of piloting. The script explains the difference between an aircraft's heading and its actual track due to wind, using the analogy of navigating a boat against a current. It delves into the complexities of landing with crosswinds, discussing three techniques: de-crab during flare, crab maintained during landing, and the side slip maneuver. The video aims to clarify why crosswind landings are problematic, especially for inexperienced pilots, and the importance of practice and restrictions on crosswind limits for safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crosswind landings can be challenging for pilots due to the difference between an aircraft's heading and its actual track, influenced by wind.
• 🚤 The concept of crosswind landing is similar to navigating a boat against a current to reach a specific point.
• ✈️ Aircraft adjust their heading into the wind to maintain the correct track during flight, especially important during takeoff and landing.
• 📉 During flight, wind can affect ground speed, causing an aircraft to move faster or slower depending on the direction of the wind.
• 🛬 Crosswind landings require precise maneuvers to align the aircraft with the runway while compensating for the wind's effect.
• 🦀 There are three techniques for crosswind landings: de-crab during flare, crab maintained during landing, and side slip maneuver.
• 🚫 Large commercial aircraft avoid the side slip maneuver due to its complexity and the risk of damage from gusty conditions.
• 🔄 The de-crab technique involves aligning the aircraft with the runway during the final phase of landing to counteract the crab angle caused by the wind.
• 🛫 Pilots must manage multiple controls simultaneously during crosswind landings, including rudder, ailerons, and flare to maintain stability.
• 🚁 Inexperienced pilots may struggle with coordinating these controls, leading to potential issues such as hard landings or loss of directional control.
• 🚫航空公司对初级飞行员在强侧风条件下的着陆有限制，以确保安全并避免过度的侧风影响。
• 📚 The script suggests that practice and experience are crucial for mastering crosswind landings, with restrictions in place for less experienced pilots.

Q & A

What is the difference between an aircraft's heading and its track?

The heading is the direction where the aircraft's nose is pointing, while the track is the actual path the aircraft is following through the air, which is affected by the wind.

Why is understanding the wind's effect on an aircraft important for pilots?

Understanding the wind's effect is crucial because it influences the aircraft's track and can significantly impact takeoff and landing procedures, especially in crosswind conditions.

How does a pilot use the concept of a boat crossing a river with current to explain crosswind landings?

The pilot uses the analogy to illustrate how an aircraft must angle into the wind to counteract its effect, similar to how a boat angles into a river current to reach a specific point on the opposite bank.

What is the primary impact of wind on an aircraft during flight at altitude?

At altitude, the primary impact of wind is on the aircraft's ground speed, causing it to be faster with a tailwind and slower with a headwind.

Why do crosswinds become a problem during takeoff and landing?

During takeoff and landing, the aircraft must maneuver in relation to a fixed point on the earth, and crosswinds can make it challenging to maintain the correct approach path and alignment with the runway.

What is an ILS, and how does it relate to crosswind landings?

An ILS, or Instrument Landing System, provides a specific track, the localizer, and a glide slope for aircraft to follow during landing. Pilots must adjust for crosswinds to stay on this path for a safe approach.

What are the three techniques mentioned for landing an aircraft in crosswind conditions?

The three techniques are de-crab during flare, crab maintained during landing, and the side slip maneuver.

Why is the side slip maneuver not commonly used in large commercial aircraft?

The side slip maneuver is not used in large commercial aircraft because it is difficult to maintain the track line, especially in gusty conditions, and there is a risk of damaging the wingtip or engine nacelle.

What is the de-crab technique, and when is it used during landing?

The de-crab technique involves aligning the aircraft with the runway during the final phase of landing, typically around 20 feet above the ground, by using rudder to counteract the crab angle caused by crosswinds.

Why is it recommended to be slightly on the upwind side of the runway centerline during a crosswind landing?

Being slightly on the upwind side helps ensure that as the aircraft de-crabs, the wind's push will help it touch down closer to the centerline, avoiding landing too far downwind.

What are some challenges inexperienced pilots may face when performing crosswind landings?

Inexperienced pilots may struggle with coordinating multiple control inputs simultaneously, such as de-crabbing, applying aileron, and flaring, which can lead to a rough landing or loss of directional control.

How do airlines typically restrict crosswind landings for first officers with low flight hours?

Airlines may impose restrictions such as limiting the maximum crosswind component to 15 knots or 2/3 of the limiting value for first officers with less than 500 hours of flight experience.

How does the condition of the runway affect an aircraft's crosswind landing capability?

On slippery runways due to ice, slush, or standing water, the aircraft's crosswind landing capability decreases because there is less friction for the tires to maintain directional control after landing.