crosswind
A wind blowing across the runway rather than along it.
A crosswind has to be flown out on landing, either by crabbing into it and kicking straight at the last moment or by holding a wing down with rudder to keep straight. Every type has a demonstrated crosswind limit. Crosswind landings are the most sought-after arrival shots there are, because the aircraft is visibly working: nose off centreline, one wing low, gear touching down asymmetrically.
Nearby in Aviation
- ATIS — A looped broadcast of an airport's current weather, runway in use and other essential information.
- callsign — The name a flight uses on the radio, usually an airline telephony name plus a flight number.
- de-icing — Spraying an aircraft with heated fluid to remove frost, ice or snow before departure, and to delay its return.
- deadhead — A crew member travelling as a passenger to get into position for a duty.