Crosswind

Crosswind is a wind component that blows across the runway or the aircraft flight path, rather than along it. Crosswinds are one of the most challenging conditions for takeoff and landing, requiring pilots to use crab or sideslip techniques to maintain runway alignment.

Each aircraft type has a maximum demonstrated crosswind component, typically 25-38 knots for transport category aircraft. Airports report crosswind components in ATIS broadcasts to help pilots assess landing conditions.