In this guide, we will look at crosswinds, why they happen, and crosswind forecasting using TAFs and RASP.
Crosswinds in Aviation
Crosswinds are one of the most common challenges pilots face during landing. When a wind blows perpendicular to an aircraft's direction of travel, it can push the aircraft off course if the pilot doesn’t take corrective action. Unmanaged crosswinds can lead to damage, unstable landings, or in severe cases, complete loss of control.
Crosswinds affect both aircraft and vehicles, but in aviation the stakes are much higher. A strong crosswind can push against the rudder, yawing the aircraft and compromising alignment with the runway.
Pilots typically counteract crosswinds by crabbing into wind, realigning the aircraft with rudder just before touchdown, and lowering the upwind wing slightly to maintain a straight descent. These techniques take practice, which is why crosswind training is essential at all flight schools and features heavily in circuits and landings training.
Most schools also impose strict crosswind limits to reduce risk. Understanding and forecasting crosswinds helps pilots manage these risks long before reaching the runway.
Crosswind Forecasting from TAFs and RASP
Pilots can forecast crosswinds quickly by gathering data from the main weather sources used in UK general aviation. For a wider overview of weather topics, see our articles on weather considerations for UK pilots and flying in bad weather.
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
TAFs provide expected wind direction, speed, and gusts for an aerodrome. Decoding TAFs helps pilots anticipate when shifts or increases in crosswinds are likely.
MET Office
The MET Office provides highly detailed gridded wind forecasts at multiple altitudes. Pilots can overlay maps on routes to visualise how wind will behave over time.
GAMET
The General Aviation Meteorological forecast highlights low-level wind hazards, sudden direction changes, and other warnings relevant to light aviation.
RASP
The Regional Atmospheric Soaring Prediction tool, commonly used in gliding, provides high-resolution local wind, thermal and boundary-layer forecasts. It is especially useful for assessing winds near the surface and around the runway.
Using Forecasting Tools and Making Decisions
Pre-Flight Planning
Pilots start by pulling the TAF for their departure and destination airfields. They review wind direction, speed, gusts, and change groups indicating shifts over time.
MET Office maps help visualise crosswinds spatially, while RASP provides a finer local forecast. Together, these sources help build a picture of expected runway conditions. To support this, many pilots use the technology discussed in our guide to flight planning tools and apps.
The Five-Minute Decision Strategy
Before flying, pilots complete a quick final assessment:
- Review the current METAR for real-time wind and gust information.
- Compare METAR data with TAF and RASP forecasts.
- Estimate crosswind component using the rule of sixths.
The rule of sixths provides a quick estimate: 10° off runway heading = 1/6 wind as crosswind; 30° off = 1/2 the wind as crosswind.
If the crosswind remains within limits and conditions match the forecast, flying may be safe. If gusts approach limits or TAFs show upcoming increases, it’s wise to delay. If forecasts indicate crosswinds beyond limits or confidence is low, a no-go decision is the safest option.
Meteorological Conditions in Aviation
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
VMC allows flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) using visual cues rather than instruments. Light cloud or drizzle may still be acceptable with instructor approval. You can find a fuller explanation of VFR in our article on mastering Visual Flight Rules.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
IMC requires pilots to hold a valid Instrument Rating (IR). Flying in IMC without an IR is illegal in the UK. Pilots rely on instruments to maintain safe flight when visibility or weather deteriorate.
Crosswind Forecasting and Working Within Limits
Pilots must understand both their own abilities and the limits of their aircraft. Weather affects visibility, speed, turbulence and altitude control. Storms bring risks such as lightning, static, communication interference and severe icing, all of which can threaten safety. For a broader look at this topic, see our post on how weather impacts light aircraft flying.
Snow and extreme cold may cause structural icing and engine issues. Even rare events such as sandstorms or very wet runways can compromise landing performance.
Bad Weather and Runways
Strong crosswinds can quickly exceed a pilot’s skill or the aircraft’s capability. Wet, icy or snow-covered runways reduce friction and increase landing distances. Pilots must understand how weather interacts with the runway environment to avoid skids, runway excursions or unstable approaches.
Planning
Thorough planning separates safe pilots from risky ones. Effective pre-flight planning includes reviewing weather, winds, terrain, fuel, alternate routes and contingencies. A strong flight plan enables pilots to anticipate issues and adjust safely if weather conditions deteriorate.
Why Choose Sherburn Aero Club
Sherburn Aero Club, operating since 1964, is one of the largest flying clubs in the UK. The club offers PPL training and advanced courses, trial and experience flights, and ongoing support as you progress into more challenging flying, including crosswind and advanced landings.
With a modernised airfield, new runways, an expanded fleet, and a dedicated FRTOL course, Sherburn supports new and experienced pilots alike. For more background, you can also explore our pilot advice and training blog.
For more information about aircraft training, licensing, experience flights or weather-related flying advice, contact the flight desk on 01977 682 674, email flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or use the online contact form.
Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
