The alternative to the crabbed approach and last minute correction is to use a sideslip to counteract wind drift . This can be done for the whole final approach or just for the last part after starting out using a crab . The idea is to lower the wing on the side from which the wind is coming , using aileron to counteract wind drift , and to use opposite rudder to maintain longitudinal alignment with the centerline . The extent to which the wing is lowered will depend on the force of the wind . If you get to the point where to counteract wind drift you need to lower the upwind wing so much that full opposite rudder is insufficient to maintain alignment with the runway , it means the wind is too strong for a safe landing and you should select an alternate runway with less crosswind .
During the flare , you need to maintain wing low crosswind correction to avoid drifting and , in strong crosswinds , this means the main wheel on the side of the airplane from which the wind is coming ( upwind ) will touch down momentarily before the other wheel does . Once on the ground , be sure to follow through with control inputs to counteract the wind . That is , position the control wheel as if turning the airplane into the wind , using full deflection of the ailerons . At slower speeds ,
it takes bigger deflections of the control surfaces to have an effect . Use the rudder to maintain directional control during the rollout .
Crosswind landings are challenging , and it will take considerable practice to master these techniques . During your solo training , you can expect your instructor to place limitations on your solo privileges based on a maximum crosswind component .
After developing skill with these advanced takeoff and landing techniques , your next challenge is to learn about cross-country flying . Flight Eight will introduce pilotage pilotage A navigation technique that involves identifying outside visual reference points and comparing them with features described on charts . , dead reckoning , weather briefings and in-flight communications with flight service stations .