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Atlas/ Tools/ Crosswind component

Calculator · Performance

Crosswind component.

How much of the wind is across the runway, how much is down it. The number that decides whether you take this runway or wait for the crosswind to back off.

Heading the wind is coming FROM (000–360).

Enter the runway designator. We multiply by 10 for the heading (28 → 280°).

Use the gust speed (not the difference) — we'll show both steady-state and gust components.

Methodology.

  • · Runway heading: designator × 10 (e.g. RWY 28 = 280°). Letter suffix (L/C/R) ignored.
  • · Angle off runway: (wind_dir − rwy_hdg), normalized to ±180°.
  • · Headwind component: WS × cos(angle) (negative = tailwind).
  • · Crosswind component: WS × sin(angle) (sign = side).

Same trig the FAA AFH and every airline FOM use. The aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind component lives in the POH; this calculator just gives you the number to compare against it.