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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-crosswind-upwind-wheel-first

Using the wing-low method, which main wheel should touch down first?

The upwind main wheel touches first.

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  1. Upwind main wheel ✔
  2. Downwind main wheel
  3. Nosewheel

Why: Maintain the crosswind correction through the flare. The lowered upwind wing places the upwind main wheel on the runway first, then the downwind wheel settles.

Huh, didn't know that: Touching down while drifting can impose damaging side loads on the landing gear.

The dad joke
The upwind wheel touched first because it wanted to get a head start.
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References

Answer: Upwind main wheel. Maintain the crosswind correction through the flare. The lowered upwind wing places the upwind main wheel on the runway first, then the downwind wheel settles.

  1. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 9 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf?pubDate=20260325
    the initial touchdown occurs on the upwind main wheel
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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