Aviation & Aeronautics
Intermediate

Crosswind Component

Crosswind component determines whether landing is within aircraft limits.

Formula

XW=Vwsin⁡θXW = V_w\sin\theta

Variables

XWCrosswind
V_wWind speed
\thetaAngle between wind and runway

Example

Wind 25 kt at 40°: XW = 16 kt

Did You Know?

Every aircraft has a maximum demonstrated crosswind — beyond it, landing safely gets very difficult.

crosswindlandinglimits