Crosswind Take Off – Another Tailwheel Skill for all Pilots
Posted on May 15, 2012 by jalsip
During the moment in which the airplane is airborne, it will begin to move sideways with the air mass and perhaps start to weathervane into the wind. When the tires contact the runway, side forces are created andNewton’s force equation comes into play.
Remember the big gorilla is always with you.
You may remember the Big Gorilla from a former Hangar Talk Episode, or from my book,
Flying the Tailwheel Airplane. He is smiling when your airplane is bouncing side ways on the runway.
Make it a habit to apply aileron into a cross wind and hold opposite rudder during take off. Roll onto the windward wheel, maintain directional control with rudder and make a positive lift off – avoid skipping.
Continue to hold windward wing low and opposite rudder to maintain your position over the runway until a clean lift off is assured.
Next establish and maintain rate of climb with level wings and the airplane crabbing into the wind to maintain runway heading.
Remember to hold right rudder against left turning P-factor.
A proper take off roll will be just the opposite of a landing and roll out.
Another reason to roll into the wind during take off is to preview the landing sight picture. Take advantage of aileron input on take off to experience how much aileron will be required for landing in the prevailing cross wind conditions.

Previous Article