Using a maximum demonstrated crosswind component equal to 0.2 V(SO), what conclusion can a pilot make with V(SO) at 60 knots and wind from 150° at 20 knots?

Using a maximum demonstrated crosswind component equal to 0.2 V(SO), what conclusion can a pilot make with V(SO) at 60 knots and wind from 150° at 20 knots?

• A. Crosswind component is within safe limits
• B. Crosswind component exceeds safe limits
• C. Landing cannot be completed
• D. Takeoff is not recommended

Answer: (A)

To assess the situation, it's essential to calculate the maximum demonstrated crosswind component based on the given parameters. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component is defined as 0.2 times V(SO). In this case, with V(SO) at 60 knots, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component would be 0.2 * 60 = 12 knots.

Next, we need to determine the actual crosswind component from the given wind conditions. With the wind coming from 150° at 20 knots, we can use trigonometric functions to calculate the crosswind component. The angle between the aircraft's approach path (likely roughly aligned with the runway heading) and the wind direction needs to be determined. Assuming the runway is oriented directly north (360°), the crosswind angle would be approximately 30° (180° from 150°, given the usual orientation).

Using the sine function to find the crosswind component:

Crosswind component = Wind speed * sin(wind angle)

Crosswind component = 20 knots * sin(30°) = 20 knots * 0.5 = 10 knots.

Now, comparing the calculated crosswind component of 10 knots with the maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 12