Crosswind leg

Crosswind Leg: A segment of an aircraft’s flight path that is directed at right angles to the landing runway at its upwind end. During the approach to landing, the pilot follows procedures and navigational aids to establish the proper crosswind leg. The purpose of this part of the landing pattern is to align the aircraft with the runway and to provide sufficient distance to adjust for the effect of crosswinds and gusts. Pilots use a crosswind leg to align themselves with the landing runway, transitioning from a downwind leg to a base leg and then final approach. A properly executed crosswind leg is essential for accurate and safe landings, especially in challenging weather conditions. It requires skilled piloting and constant adjustments to ensure that the aircraft remains on course.