During takeoff, a crosswind might not seem like a major issue. However, if you fail to make corrections, you could end up skidding off or even leaving the runway. No one wants such a situation to occur.
Wind correction for takeoff is much like that for taxiing: initially, fully deflect your ailerons into the wind. Why? Without proper correction, the upwind wing could lift off prematurely, and the wind could cause the aircraft to veer towards the edge of the runway.
Initial Takeoff Roll
When preparing for takeoff, check the wind sock before increasing the throttle (public airports typically have one visible from the end of each runway). Then, ensure that your ailerons are fully deflected into the wind before commencing the takeoff roll. When looking at the wings, the ‘up’ aileron should be on the same side as the wind direction.
You also need to be ready to use the rudder. If the winds are strong enough, the plane may tend to weathervane into the wind during the takeoff roll. By applying sufficient rudder to keep it pointed down the runway, you can maintain it within the white lines.
Acceleration Down The Runway
As you accelerate down the runway, the ailerons become more effective, and you should gradually reduce their deflection. After all, you don’t want to damage the wingtip by digging it into the runway. So, how much should you reduce the aileron deflection? Just enough to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. In a moderate crosswind, you’ll find that a certain amount of aileron deflection will keep it on the centerline. Obviously, it’s not solely about the ailerons; the rudder is also involved. But if you maintain the ailerons during takeoff, it will also stay on the centerline.
You also want to keep the wings as level as possible while on the ground. If there is not enough aileron deflection, and the upwind wing lifts off first, the plane can start skidding towards the side of the runway. Not only will it deviate from the centerline, but the amount of upwind wing exposed to the crosswind will increase, making it more likely for the downwind wing to strike the runway or for the aircraft to veer off the side of the runway. Additionally, the side-load stress on the landing gear could cause damage.
Lift-Off
As you rotate and the nose wheel starts to lift off, you need to maintain aileron pressure against the wind so that the downwind wing and wheel lift off first. By doing this, you can prevent side-slipping and the associated problems. The preferred takeoff order in a crosswind situation is: nosewheel first, downwind wheel second, and upwind wheel third.
If dealing with a significant crosswind, you should use the same method, but hold the wheels on the ground for a bit longer before rotating. By staying on the runway for a slightly longer duration at a slightly higher speed, you can achieve a quicker (definite but not overly aggressive) lift-off. With a quick lift-off, you will also have better control of the plane as you apply wind correction for the rest of the takeoff.
Initial Climb
After lifting off, you want to gradually reduce the ailerons to keep the wings level. However, at the same time, you will notice that you immediately start drifting off the side of the runway. Since you want to climb along the extended centerline of the runway, you need to turn into the wind and find a crab angle that keeps you flying along the extended centerline throughout the climb. Once you determine the right amount of crab angle to prevent drifting left/right of the extended centerline of the runway, you are good to go. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fact that you have just had a perfect crosswind takeoff.
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