Better Cross Wind Landings: The Crab and Side Slip or Low Wing Methods - AeroGuard Flight Training

Many students can be intimidated by cross wind landings but winds are part of flying and it's important to know how to land safely in cross wind conditions and we aim to help those students in this video.
If cross wind landings are an expansion to your existing personal minimums, be sure to understand how to expand those personal minimums safely by watching our video on Risk Management and Personal Minimums here: • Understanding Risk Man...
This video will help you understand the two methods of completing crosswind landings. These methods are "the crab" and "the side slip" which can also be referred to as "the low wing method".
At AeroGuard, our instructors teach the side slip, or low wing, method due to it being a safer way of learning since you are always aligned with the runway and it allows your sight picture to stay the same.

[@Rh92887]

Excellent presentation, I too agree side slip is the way to go. As a renter, I can't risk that side load if I screw up a crab haha.

[@N741SP]

Adding to the conversation...Check the POH for “operating characteristics” of the plane you are flying. For instance, Gulfstream recommends wing low method while another manufacturer such as Dassault may specify the “crab and kick rudder” method due to the ground clearance of the lower wing Falcon.

[@dacallp]

THANKS! I was having trouble figuring out the difference between the two but know I know!

[@studlyhungwell5740]

I prefer the wing low (side slip) method due to the fact that I don't have to make any rapid, wide gyrations with the flight controls at the last minute...just before touchdown. I can concentrate on the flare, and nose alignment, while keeping my cross wind corrections steady. It is a safer / easier method, then crabbing, and kicking.

[@studlyhungwell5740]

The famous Chinese Aviator Won Wang Lo teaches that the side slip method is although a Cross-controlled flight condition, it is still a Coordinated maneuver due to the fact that as you increase (or decrease) Rudder input, you must take the Same amount (although opposite) of control input to the Ailerons. Think about it: More Rudder input requires more Aileron input, and visa versa.

[@VictoriaAlfredSmythe]

Thank you from Manhattan ©2024

[@JillWakaba]

Thanks a lot for this video

[@steffenleo5997]

Well explained amd thanks you.... 👍👍

[@flyaeroguard]

Thank you, Steffen, we're glad you found it useful!

[@benhalicki9749]

Thanks for this presentation, I really appreciate the straightforward, concise approach. Very refreshing! I am a bit confused though. My instructor told me to use the sideslip method and not the crab method (crab method side loads the gear). Sat my private pilot test recently, was using the side slip method (aileron into wind, rudder to keep centreline) and they told me not to cross-control as it's dangerous. Also Cessna warns not to side-slip a 172. What did they mean?!

[@flyaeroguard]

Hi Ben. Airplane Flying Handbook 9-15 and 9-16 states that both are acceptable but cautions that the crab method could result in a sideslip while removing the crab right before touchdown. So you’re correct in that landing while crabbed is discouraged due to side loading; however, it can be utilized while getting in to position for final. Once aligned with the runway and established on short final, then a sideslip is an appropriate procedure to utilize. Perhaps the advice to not utilize this method was due to the dangers it presents IF in a turn, specifically base to final. As to the not sideslipping a Cessna 172 that is not something that we have heard or seen before, but would be interested to know what document that information was found.

[@Rance120]

Great video, thank you!!

[@flyaeroguard]

We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@steffenleo5997]

Can i asked you a question? Why do comercial jet airliner prefer crabbed than sideslip on cross wind landing? Any technical reason behind it? Thanks and have a nice day.... 👍

[@flyaeroguard]

Airliners typically do crab on approach, but then transition to a side slip prior to landing - this is done to reduce the side load on the landing gear and tires on touchdown.

[@Spymell]

Thanks!

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

TELLING IT... IS NOT TEACHING IT...THE STEP BY STEP AND THE DETAILS DO MATTER...THE HOW TO...

[@flyaeroguard]

That's, of course, correct. This video is meant to help support other methods, and we operate a flight school with nationwide locations where we teach these concepts in-person.