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What is a demonstrated crosswind component? Is it possible to land in a crosswind greater than the demonstrated crosswind component? Is it safe to?

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  • $\begingroup$ I have landed in crosswinds greater than those demonstrated. The key is to remember to keep the nose straight with rudder and to track the centerline with aileron. If the wind is strong enough to where have full rudder deflection in and it still isn't enough, it is time to find a different runway. $\endgroup$
    – wbeard52
    Nov 23, 2016 at 21:45

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A demonstrated crosswind component is highest crosswind (corrected to make it 90°) which has been shown to be possible to safely land by a test pilot. It shall not require exceptional skill by an ordinary pilot, however it does not mean every pilot will be able to do so. It is also NOT a limit (contrary to what some say) - if the pilot does decide to land higher crosswinds, they can do so (but please take caution).

This number may not necessarily be the highest crosswind component that it's possible to land in -- it just has to be above the minimum capabilities required in the regulations. For example, say an aircraft, flown perfectly (yes, we're dreaming), was capable of handling a 30 knot crosswind component (no gust, ISA conditions), the manufacturer only needs to demonstrate safe landing with a crosswind component of one-fifth of the reference stall speed in the landing configuration. This would be:

  • 10 knots @ 50KIAS VS0
  • 12 knots @ 60KIAS VS0
  • 14 knots @ 70KIAS VS0
  • 15 knots @ 75KIAS VS0

Reference:

(a) A 90 degree cross-component of wind velocity, demonstrated to be safe for taxiing, takeoff, and landing must be established and must be not less than 0.2 VS0.

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I teach a way simpler definition: The maximum crrosswind component that a plane can hold the fuselage aligned to the centerline up until full deflection of the controls.

Any additional wind requires adding in crab and would result in a side-loaded touchdown which is therefore out if control.

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    $\begingroup$ Simpler, but not necessarily more accurate. Max demonstrated is exactly that: demonstrated. Not max possible, but what they had when they demonstrated it. Also, "landing in crab" = "out of control" is utterly wrong. For some aircraft, landing with some crab is both necessary + routine above a certain crosswind component, and not at all "out of control". $\endgroup$
    – Ralph J ♦
    Mar 12, 2021 at 5:26

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