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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-wing-low-crosswind-controls

In a wing-low crosswind approach, which controls keep you aligned with the runway?

Use rudder for heading and aileron for drift.

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  1. Elevator for heading, trim for drift
  2. Rudder for heading, aileron for drift ✔
  3. Flaps for heading, throttle for drift

Why: Use rudder to point the nose along the runway. Bank into the wind with aileron just enough to stop sideways drift and hold the centerline.

Huh, didn't know that: The wing-low method is also called a sideslip.

The dad joke
The rudder and ailerons divided the work because teamwork keeps things straight.
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References

Answer: Rudder for heading, aileron for drift. Use rudder to point the nose along the runway. Bank into the wind with aileron just enough to stop sideways drift and hold the centerline.

  1. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 9, heading control www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf?pubDate=20260325
    To use the wing-low method, the pilot first uses rudder to align and maintain the airplane’s heading with the runway direction.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 9, drift control www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf?pubDate=20260325
    Note the rate and direction of drift, and oppose it using ailerons resulting in just enough bank to cancel the drift.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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