In crosswind approach, which control action helps maintain runway alignment?

In crosswind approach, which control action helps maintain runway alignment?

• A. Touch down with a wing low.
• B. Keep the aircraft level and use no rudder.
• C. Coordinated rudder and aileron input to maintain runway alignment.
• D. Rely on the autopilot to hold alignment.

Answer: (C)

In a crosswind approach, keeping the airplane on the runway centerline requires coordinated use of both rudder and aileron. The wind pushes the aircraft sideways, so you bank into the wind with the ailerons to offset that drift, and you use the rudder to yaw the nose toward the runway heading. When these inputs are coordinated, the fuselage stays aligned with the runway and the track remains centered, reducing sideslip and drift as you descend. Relying on autopilot to hold alignment isn’t reliable for a crosswind approach in many GA aircraft, and keeping the wings level without rudder doesn’t counter the wind’s sideways effect. The method of touching down with a wing low is a maneuver used near or after touchdown, not for maintaining proper alignment throughout the approach.

In a crosswind approach, keeping the airplane on the runway centerline requires coordinated use of both rudder and aileron. The wind pushes the aircraft sideways, so you bank into the wind with the ailerons to offset that drift, and you use the rudder to yaw the nose toward the runway heading. When these inputs are coordinated, the fuselage stays aligned with the runway and the track remains centered, reducing sideslip and drift as you descend.

Relying on autopilot to hold alignment isn’t reliable for a crosswind approach in many GA aircraft, and keeping the wings level without rudder doesn’t counter the wind’s sideways effect. The method of touching down with a wing low is a maneuver used near or after touchdown, not for maintaining proper alignment throughout the approach.