Student Pilot Crosswind Landing Struggles | The Most Difficult Part Of Flight Training

[@FinkelBlog]

I watched the first two landings, and thought Mike did quite well. His calm demeanor, ability to converse with you, and his ATC communication were also impressive.

[@LewDixAviation]

He's doing very well and is already a great pilot!

[@marktorrisi1754]

Tell Mike to hang in there. I was where he is a couple of weeks ago. Cleared to solo but I wasn't feeling totally comfortable with my landings. On my scheduled solo day the winds were too strong so instead we flew to a non towered field (something I hadn't done yet) and I nailed all of my landings. Huge boost of confidence going into my solo!

[@aztecwarrior1421]

Hell! I got my PPL and still have issues landing.

[@jmitchell3]

Modified instructor yoke grip - check. Nonchalant cockpit presence - check. Adding review tasks after challenging crosswind practice - check. CFI composite score from the judging panel: 9.2. Well done sir. Well done.

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 I’d like to thank my parents for putting me on this planet. The rest was all me

[@MyWTFName]

Best way I learned x/wind landing technique is in a tailwheel. Rudders keep you parallel to the runway and ailerons keeps you on the center line. Nose wheel student pilots struggle to figure this out unless they have the fear of a ground loop. Fun videos - thanks.

[@cduemig1]

I’m right about the same place. Just did my first cross wind landings the other day and they’re a lot tougher than I thought. Keep plugging!

[@cduemig1]

Outlet months made a difference! I just did crosswind landings again the last two times up and did very well on both. My feet are finally cooperating. Keep at it!

[@DanSmithBK]

I’m loving the little red balloon graphic ;-)

[@HamBown]

Great job staying in the game dude. I had a couple sketchy crosswind landings in my last training flight and I was certainly not so calm. Keep it up!

[@capta1nc]

"Tap dancing" is one of the things that improved my landings markedly recently - heard it mostly from a taildragger pilot where it's a necessity. Started doing it in the PA28, instead of trying to find the right spot and holding it, and only adjusting "when necessary", just constantly jiggling with the feet - it's what we do with yokes, steering wheels, handlebars, etc. all the time so it makes sense that it works for the feet too! Stops them getting "frozen" in the wrong spot when the workload is high but there's a need to be more dynamic (e.g. when flaring and the nose wants to lurch more to the left). As always thanks for sharing - especially to Mike! Not sure if I'd have had the courage to show the world my first failed "school pre-solo check", which was also due to slightly side-loaded landings!

[@LewDixAviation]

Great to hear! I wouldn't call it a 'failed pre solo check'. More like a 'let's do a bit more practice'. It's a positive that this happened because it's a learning moment.

[@capta1nc]

@@LewDixAviation oh yeah that was just referring to my own situation, but I agree, "failed" is not a good word to use in general in aviation, no training flights are wasted flights either way. After all, a good pilot is always learning!

[@LewDixAviation]

@@capta1nc ABSOLUTELY! That’s a great saying you should trademark it

[@spelldaddy5386]

@@LewDixAviation I think someone else already did that

[@onthemark40]

Keep up the great work Mike. Once you get a few good cross wind landings in and feel the technique it will just start to become more natural. You will give Lewis goose bumps and put a big smile on his face 😀.

[@evidenceplz]

You are such a funny CFI. If I were your student I wouldn't want the lessons to end!

[@LewDixAviation]

haha thank you

[@jasonMB999]

Lol. Then you must enjoy spending money. The longer the flight the mlre dollars you burn, over time you will hate to fly with instructors cause all that money only helps the instructor increase his PIC hours while helping you empty your pockets

[@michaelcollins8992]

I think if I had you as my CFI we would not stop laughing 😂 our humor combined would make the plane float ahahah

[@LewDixAviation]

😂

[@michaelcollins8992]

@@LewDixAviation the boat is real, honestly where I’m struggling is turns around a point, I do ovals instead of circles my instructor thinks I’m drunk 😂

[@PilotChiccon]

Lew! Just got my commercial last Monday and going into multi may 18th . Love the videos and would love to go flying with you one day!!

[@LewDixAviation]

Great to hear! Congratulations!

[@chrisreagan8651]

I love your training technique. You are so easy going and make learning enjoyable. And of course, your videos are fun for us to watch as well. Thank you for sharing, and great job Mike. Your improvement is incredible.

[@LewDixAviation]

Ah thanks Chris!

[@yank33g03]

Good this is exactly where I am at my training now. Its so tough because you can tell he knows exactly what he needs to do.

[@edjarrett3164]

Crosswind landings are always a challenge. I got the ppl in the Cessna and then checked out in the Archer. Went up with a cfi to practice crosswind landings in the Archer as I only had 10 hrs in airframe. Good session with 10 knots crosswinds or more and really gave me the added confidence that crosswinds were no big deal. Always shooting for solid proficiency in both aircraft.

[@EpsilonGaming7]

It's interesting to watch someone who is experiencing the same things I did when trying to get my PPL. And at place like ERAU where they demand perfection, it's a long and rocky road for anyone who trains here.

[@trentonmcmillen1879]

Felt this. Tried to solo the other day and I was ballooning every time because I wasn’t remembering my crosswind controls like an idiot. Also probably because I fly a Cessna

[@Fast351]

I am going through this exact same thing right now. Cross winds are difficult. I can feel it improve as I practice every time.

[@bryantturner97]

Love that funky music in the background!

[@dkbrowny]

Another awesome video Lew! Mike, you mentioned last video you’re big into MSFS. X-Plane really helped my x-wind landings believe it or not. Set the wind and give it a go. Great job man!

[@LewDixAviation]

Thanks man!

[@glennwatson]

I was really crap at doing "bouncy" landings, my instructor came to my office and I put on VR goggles with xplane 11 and we just repeated landing after landing and once I was proficient it just worked in real life as well. VR was the key for me though.

[@cherokee9272]

Always love watching your content friend, definitely been keeping me going through times that kept me out of aviation since mid 2019, getting back in the cockpit of my favorite 160 in 2 weeks and I'm so excited that i cant help but wish time by!

[@LewDixAviation]

Ah that’s great! Thank you!

[@kylebhada6914]

Keep up the good work, just did my third solo yesterday

[@jasonMB999]

🤣🤣I can feel the tension in the cockpit

[@lars808]

11:31 the way he jiggels that yoke😂 i wish i could land that good in a crosswind 🥲

[@megathumper777]

Not sure what that was about

[@irishcurse65]

I am training in New England and I haven’t had a day where winds were below 10 knots and of course they are crosswinds. I am dreaming of a day where the winds are below 10 and not a cross wind. I’ll land like a pro. I probably will think something is wrong with the controls on a calm day.

[@LewDixAviation]

hahaha

[@nicolasvillavicencio1835]

Started training in Minnesota and have had the same experience, the one day there was a 4 knot tailwind it felt like heaven

[@jr800w]

I train privately and tbh will probably just learn it as I go. Instructors don't seem too concerned so as long as the plane touches down safely. I would probably just focus on turning the ailerons into wind as I round out and kick out of the crab. Once I master that worry about landing on the into wheels first then opposite then nose.

[@liquidintegrity]

Loved it! Cross landing with 9kts is my next goal, very nice technique

[@iancranmer9595]

Just did this today and had a hell of a time at KGYR

[@HamBown]

15:47 I wish my flying club had a CFI even close to as awesome as you Lewis. I got so stressed in my first round of PPL training, prior to COVID, and the instructor always made me feel rushed to get the checkmarks in before the clock ran out on our time. I was never very comfortable and ended-up stressed out and shaky a number of times. Power-on stall / spin training when you are feeling unsure about things is not awesome I'll tell you that. I can't wait to get back to it, I have been out of the cockpit for over a year now.

[@LewDixAviation]

Ahh thank you .. I really dislike instructors and schools that rush students. It doesn’t create a welcoming learning environment unfortunately.. Hope you get back soon!

[@justprestn]

Dude roles up to work at 9:30. Coworker: I’m so tired Him: I’ve already flown a plane this morning

[@musjannaty5799]

"keep touching it" .... merch worthy wise words! 😂 Love that Mike keeps his cool and focus 👏🤙

[@trevo745]

The elevator music is next level shiz!

[@tamasm5249]

I have found myself to only fly traffic patterns at this airport in MSFS2020 after your vids xD

[@LewDixAviation]

haha thats great!

[@redmondson27]

it would be easier if he stayed in the PA28. I'm a cherokee guy. but yes crosswind landings and be hard at first. Too bad you didn't go to Sun n Fun! i was just near orlando executive!! but i'm back at KMGM now.

[@DaBombDotCom77]

Why does every traffic controller sound the same 😂

[@blueskyaviationpilottraining]

Balloon! 🎈✈️

[@imrehorvath2727]

Norad is north american radar air defence dont you mean nordo or did they change somthing lol never seen any notam about that

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 yea Nordo

[@mr.martintorres5804]

The same sunglasses Joshy boy wears! 😎

[@anthonybenavides720]

I soloed about 3 weeks ago but weather in Texas has been garbage. My pattern is shit and my crosswind corrections are non-existent because I’ve flown maybe? What..twice since solo? It’s difficult stuff man!

[@LewDixAviation]

When you don’t have the chance to maintain proficiency that’s what happens. Weather down here in Orlando is tough to work around sometimes too so I understand your frustration

[@anthonybenavides720]

@@LewDixAviation Had to add an extra day and fly during the week - beautiful day to do some landings here this Tuesday! 🤙🏽 Cheers, Lew! Thanks for the great content. -Anthony

[@thegoodguystore]

Doing pilot things!

[@harrisongould9460]

He's getting close...airspeed's been on point most of the time. If I had unlimited funds, I'd be getting back in that Warrior to see if my landings improve. That crosswind looked to be a 'beach'.

[@LewDixAviation]

Very close. Proficiency is key

[@ryansiroproductions]

Private checkride today 😬

[@luisfigueroa7543]

How can I make a appointment to get a discovery flight with you ?

[@positiverategearup8043]

I never seen you so serious hehe!

[@LewDixAviation]

😂

[@spelldaddy5386]

17:45 is that 4333C from the old flight school not to be named?

[@LewDixAviation]

Yep! The student in that was getting milked, I could hear it over the radio 😂

[@spelldaddy5386]

@@LewDixAviation interesting to see them at exec though. Don't they usually stay in the Kissimmee area?

[@wilfredkandiero9854]

even seasoned pilots struggle with crosswinds

[@rileyj7066]

What yoke mount / iPad is that?

[@hmabboud]

I don’t know why flying makes me tired? Is it because I’m still a student? Or is it because stick Instead of yolk flying?

[@randyvanvliet226]

Keep getting hours in the air, it gets less tiring. Les sweaty, too! Fly a sensitive stick, like in a RV, as a student, and you'll be hot, sweaty and plenty tired until you gain some proficiency.... Practice, practice, practice. It gets easier.

[@hmabboud]

@@randyvanvliet226 Thank you for the encouraging words

[@PaulGarthAviation]

There's thinking that's required, and there's anticipatory anxiety. The latter is what is tiring. Over time, your thinking will become sharper and shorter, and your confidence will neutralize the anticipatory anxiety. Continued success. And... if you fly a Cessna you will still float. LOL!

[@hmabboud]

@@PaulGarthAviation thank you so much

[@elcidS15]

My dad always said, “If you can’t land when it’s windy, you’re not a pilot.”

[@annn.3615]

✈️✈️✈️✈️🧡✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@nickhart5332]

Hello lewis!

[@LewDixAviation]

Hello!

[@redmondson27]

just wait til you get that gust as you're about to touch down and the plane floats...oh wait...cessna... it's a floater anyways. (The wings are in the wrong place) ;-)

[@karhukivi]

The view out the side window is pointless, only the view of the runway counts.

[@sahilkamble5817]

Ohh😍🤩

[@benjaminmonro4376]

Student great, I'd kick the instructor out 2 seconds after "bit off the centerline" which was a whole 4 inches 😅

[@LewDixAviation]

Hold yourself to high standards mate.

[@Gambler1-1]

What up