Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

In a crosswind approach, what is done to control lateral drift over the runway centerline?

1. Apply full power to counteract drift

2. Raise the downwind wing

3. Lower the upwind wing

4. Perform a go-around

The correct answer is: Lower the upwind wing

In a crosswind approach, controlling lateral drift over the runway centerline primarily involves adjusting the aircraft's attitude to compensate for the wind's influence on the airframe. Lowering the upwind wing is a common technique used in combination with the application of opposite rudder. This maneuver effectively banks the aircraft into the wind, which helps counter the drift caused by the crosswind. When the upwind wing is lowered, the aircraft experiences a lateral tilt that aligns it more closely with the runway. This action also helps maintain a proper flight path while ensuring that the aircraft remains coordinated, aiding in a stable approach and landing. Other techniques, such as using rudder inputs to maintain alignment, are typically employed in conjunction with this maneuver to ensure precise control throughout the landing process. The effectiveness of this technique comes from the balance of influences from both the ailerons and the rudder, allowing the pilot to maintain control and execute a safe landing despite the challenging wind conditions.