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runway length vs cross wind?

CupCrusher40
Frequent Flyer B

pros and cons of?

4 REPLIES 4

Re: runway length vs cross wind?

ZevSupport
Frequent Flyer A

Hey! Not sure this question will get solid answers on a Pax/Customer forum. Curious though, and interested!


Community Champion | PHL based | ex-Companion Pass Holder | Southwest Passenger

Re: runway length vs cross wind?

dfwskier
Aviator A

what kind of pros and cons are you looking for?

 

Airspeed required for take off or landing is the same whether crosswind or not.

 

Crosswind landing requires the pilot to fly a crab while on final (looks like you are flying sideways) and switch to a slip (straighten out plane)  at touchdown. 

 

All airports that allow commercial flights are rated to accept aircraft types that "fit" the runway length whether or not there is a crosswind.

 

..,and yes I am a licensed pilot...

Re: runway length vs cross wind?

DancingDavidE
Aviator A

The bigger issue would be airports that don't have two different runway orientations.

 

If the wind pattern isn't favorable even at Midway for instance where the runways are relatively short the air traffic can use the other runway at 90 degrees angle to the other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home airport MDW, frequent visitor to MCO to see the mouse.

Re: runway length vs cross wind?

dfwskier
Aviator A

All aircraft have a maximum crosswind component (wind speed and number of degrees off the center line). Exceed that number and you are not authorized to attempt a landing. Taking off with a cross wind is not an issue. Most of the time  wind is not 90 degrees off the center line, and even if it is the wind speed then has to be high enough to be a problem.

 

So, most jet aircraft can "handle" all but the most extreme crosswind components - even at single runway airports. Landings can get interesting, but that's why you have experienced pilots making big bucks.

 

Most landings are crosswind as most of the time wind is not coming directly down the center line.