Work out crosswind component instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
The crosswind component is the wind speed multiplied by the sine of the angle between the wind and the runway centreline; the headwind component uses the cosine. At 30 degrees the crosswind is half the wind speed, at 45 degrees about 70%, and at 90 degrees it is the full wind speed.
Crosswind component
Crosswind = wind speed x sin(angle); Headwind = wind speed x cos(angle)
Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.
For many light aircraft it is a demonstrated value rather than a certified limit, but operators and flight schools usually treat it as one. Turbine aircraft normally publish hard limits.
Assess the crosswind on the gust value; that is the worst case the aircraft and pilot must handle during the flare and roll-out.