Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

Wind correction is critical, especially crosswind drift on the outbound leg. The crosswind component. Holding Speed Compare a fighter jet to a light aircraft. Crosswind Component You’ll have noticed we have referenced ‘course’ a fair bit when discussing holds. What Is a Hold? The inbound course. The outbound course.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Approach Knot 52

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Here’s a video of a 182 flipping in 30 knot winds at Las Vegas (with jet blast the deciding factor). It was fun doing over 200 knots groundspeed over Rawlings until I realized a solid wall of thunderstorms had formed between me and home, and there were 35 knot winds below. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind.

Knot 98

Knot Crosswind Rudder Turbulence 98

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

Below, the boats and jet skis stream across the lake—people enjoying their own adventure this evening as I fly overhead. My Sonex cruises about 130 mph at this power setting, but headed southeast into the wind I am losing an easy 15 mph on my groundspeed. They probably don’t notice me, but I watch them intently.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98