✈️ Aviation Brief — Issue #87
Weekly insights for student pilots and the instructors who train them.
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
CA.IV.F — Crosswind Approach and Landing (Commercial Pilot ACS)
1. ACS STANDARDS SUMMARY
The Commercial Pilot ACS (CA.IV.F) requires the applicant to demonstrate a crosswind approach and landing that maintains coordinated flight throughout. The pilot must select an appropriate runway based on wind, establish and maintain the proper approach speed and configuration, apply drift correction to track the extended centerline, touch down within 200 feet of a specified point with the longitudinal axis aligned with the runway, and maintain directional control during the after-landing roll without excessive side load on the landing gear. The examiner expects the pilot to recognize changing wind conditions and make prompt, smooth corrections.
2. THREE COMMON STUDENT MISTAKES
- Using insufficient rudder to keep the nose aligned with the runway during the flare, causing the airplane to weathervane into the wind just before touchdown.
- Releasing aileron input too early after landing, allowing the upwind wing to rise and the airplane to drift downwind during the rollout.
- Carrying excess approach speed (often 10+ knots above target), which lengthens the landing distance and reduces control effectiveness in gusty conditions.
3. CFI PRO TIP
Have students practice “zero crab at touchdown” by intentionally holding a slight sideslip from 200 feet AGL all the way to the flare on every landing, even in light winds. This builds the muscle memory to apply simultaneous aileron into the wind and opposite rudder without thinking, so the transition feels automatic rather than sudden when the wind actually picks up.
4. SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
Crosswind landings remain a leading factor in runway excursions. NTSB data shows that loss of directional control after touchdown in crosswinds accounts for a significant percentage of Cessna 172 incidents, often when pilots fail to maintain full aileron deflection into the wind during the rollout in gusty conditions.
5. DID YOU KNOW
The Cessna 172S POH lists a maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 15 knots, yet this is not a limitation—pilots must still evaluate their own skill and the airplane’s performance on any given day.
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