How does wind affect takeoffs and landings, and what is a common corrective technique?

• A. Wind has no effect on takeoffs and landings.
• B. Wind always improves drift.
• C. Wind can cause drift; use a crab or wing-down technique and proper crosswind landing corrections.
• D. Wind affects only the aircraft's color.

Answer: (C)

Wind can push the airplane sideways relative to the runway, causing drift during both takeoff and landing. The common fix is to use crosswind correction techniques: fly into the wind with a crab during approach so the runway stays under the wings while the fuselage points into the wind, then transition to a wing-down (sideslip) to align the aircraft with the runway for a touchdown on the centerline. For takeoff, you similarly use into-wind aileron and opposite rudder to keep the aircraft tracking straight as you accelerate and lift off, then reduce the crab once enough airspeed is gained.