Crosswind Component Calculator
Calculate the crosswind and headwind components from wind speed and direction relative to the runway heading.
Results
What is it?
The crosswind component is the portion of wind that blows perpendicular to the runway centreline. Every aircraft has a demonstrated maximum crosswind limit (usually 10-20 kts for GA aircraft). The headwind component is the portion of wind along the runway axis that reduces groundspeed on landing, shortening the rollout distance.
How to use
1. Enter the reported wind speed in knots. 2. Enter the wind direction as a magnetic bearing (from which the wind is blowing, e.g. 270 = westerly wind). 3. Enter the runway heading in degrees (e.g. Runway 24 = 240). 4. Read the crosswind and headwind/tailwind components from the outputs.
Example scenario
Wind is reported as 270 at 20 kts. You are landing on Runway 24 (heading 240). The angle between wind and runway is 30. Crosswind = 20 x sin(30) = 10 kts. Headwind = 20 x cos(30) = 17.3 kts. The crosswind is well within typical GA limits.
Pro tip
The 60/40 rule provides a quick mental estimate: at a 30 degree wind angle, crosswind is approximately 50%; at 45 degrees, approximately 70%; at 60 degrees, approximately 85%. Always check your aircraft Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the demonstrated crosswind limit.