Spectacular landings as pilots battle Ali to land

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Tue Oct 9, 2018

There were some spectacular landings and take-offs during the recent storm Ali which battered the British Isles. This video taken by flugsnug was shot at Birmingham Airport. Typically, aircraft land and take-off into the wind to decrease the landing or take-off distance. In some cases, aircraft land or take-off with a slight down-wind component – typically associated with noise sensitive airports where one runway is preferred over another. Where a pilot faces a crosswind landing or take-off they need to point the aircraft in the direction of the wind while maintaining a straight course toward the runway or on the runway. This is called crabbing or yawing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhyY9Y5k0-4&feature=push-sd&attr_tag=il6igvOoN-70kO53%3A6 In strong crosswinds, the pilot may also dip the wing – sideslip – into the direction of the wind for the landing. Just before touch down pilots apply rudder to bring the plane – and its undercarriage – back so it is aligned straight down the centerline of the runway. This takes great skill and the results –if not done properly – are often quite spectacular as shown in the video. Tropical storm Ali, which started life in the mid-Atlantic and veered north-east toward Europe and not the USA wreaked havoc in the UK and Ireland early this month. Several people were killed and a number required hospital treatment as Ali battered the British Isles. Tens of thousands lost power, roads were blocked and there was travel chaos with train services were canceled. And burning rubber! As if 44 mph gusts weren't enough, the wind direction kept changing. Just watch the windsocks on the right side of the airfield in this video and the other two  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing
Airline News

Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing

Feb 13, 2026

Nicholas Ling

Featured articles

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul
Airline News

This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul

Feb 12, 2026

Airline Ratings
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
 TransNusa Perth to Bali review
Airline News

TransNusa Perth to Bali review

Feb 4, 2026

Chris Parry