What is the recommended technique for crosswind landings?

• A. Approach into the wind
• B. Use proper crab or wing-down technique
• C. Align with the runway during flare
• D. Touch down into the wind

Answer: (A)

Crosswind landings are all about counteracting the sideways wind so you can place the airplane on the runway centerline. The primary way to set up a stable approach is to fly the approach into the wind. By pointing your approach into the wind, you reduce the crosswind component acting on the airplane, which makes it easier to maintain the runway alignment and control as you descend.

In practice this is paired with applying the crab or wing-down technique to keep the aircraft’s path aligned with the runway during the approach. As you near the ground, you transition to the appropriate touchdown technique (usually aligning with the runway and touching down with the upwind wing, then using rudder and aileron as needed to maintain directional control).

Choosing to pinpoint the emphasis on approaching into the wind highlights the foundational step that makes the later correction methods effective. Options about simply aligning during flare or touching down directly into the wind don’t address the crucial setup of the approach path and drift correction needed for a stable crosswind landing.